The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has issued a strong warning over the misuse of newly constructed federal roads, raising alarm that indiscriminate parking of fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles is undermining critical national infrastructure valued at over ₦230 billion.
Umahi made this known during an inspection tour of the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State on Saturday, the Minister decried what he described as a “damaging and unacceptable” practice, noting that sections of the completed carriageway had been obstructed by stationary fuel tankers.
“Yesterday, I was passing through this road, and the entire stretch we have completed was completely blocked—not by moving vehicles, but by parked fuel tankers,” Umahi stated.
Umahi in a press release by
Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaeze, emphasised that road infrastructure is not engineered to withstand prolonged static loads imposed by heavy-duty vehicles, warning that such practices accelerate structural deterioration and significantly shorten the lifespan of the pavement.
“No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loading of that magnitude. When you allow heavy trucks to remain stationary for extended periods, the pressure compromises the integrity of the road,” he explained.
The Minister stressed that the Federal Government’s substantial investment ₦156 billion for Phase One and ₦83 billion for Phase Two must be safeguarded through responsible usage and stricter enforcement of traffic and parking regulations.
“Is that what we should fold our hands and allow to see such a monumental investment destroyed?” he queried.
Despite the concerns, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contractor, RCC, describing the project as a highly technical and innovative undertaking. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive intervention in sustaining the project following the withdrawal of funding by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in August 2025.
“We are not owing the contractor. This is a very technical project, and I am impressed with the quality of delivery. I must commend Mr President for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta,” the Minister said.
Umahi further disclosed that the Aleto Bridge project has been redesigned from asphalt to concrete pavement technology to enhance durability, a directive he attributed to the President’s long-term infrastructure vision. The project also features solar-powered street lighting, environmental landscaping, and reinforced structural components designed to withstand the region’s demanding conditions.
Providing an update on project timelines, the Minister revealed that one carriageway is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, while the first phase of the project is scheduled for full completion by August 2026. He expressed optimism that the second phase, which includes multiple flyovers and bridges, will be delivered before the end of the year.
In a move to strengthen capacity development within the engineering sector, Umahi announced plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship programme spearheaded by President Tinubu.
“We are aligning with the President’s mentorship initiative to ensure that young engineers understudy this project. It is a rare opportunity to build the next generation of technical leaders,” he noted.
The Minister concluded with a call to action for Nigerians, particularly transport operators and road users, to adopt a culture of shared responsibility in preserving public infrastructure.
“The government cannot be everywhere. While we are committed to delivering durable roads, citizens must take ownership in protecting them. Let us preserve what we have built for the benefit of all,” he said.
