WORKS MINISTER, SEN UMAHI ASSESSES STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE UNDERWATER ELEMENTS OF BRIDGES THAT LINK LAGOS ISLAND TO MAINLAND -- Federal Controller of Works Lagos Absolved of Professional Negligence, Resumes Work as Investigation Reveals the Closure of Independence Bridge Lagos Was an Honest Mistake The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi CON has inspected the substructure and other underwater elements of  Third Mainland bridge, Eko bridge,  Carter bridge and Independence bridge to assess the structural integrity of some of the structures as well as appraise the progress  of work  on the bridge elements whose maintenance  has been generously commenced by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. In his press briefing after the inspection visit to the four bridges on 5th April 2025, the Honourable Minister of Works, expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of underwater works done on the 3rd Mainland bridge and Carter bridge handled by Julius Berger Plc as well as Eko bridge and Independence bridge handled by Buildwell Nig Ltd. He commended the contractors for the milestone completion recorded by them but frowned at the continued tampering of the underwater piers and pile caps of the bridges by people despite warnings.  He made particular reference to the most recent case of a ship that capsized at Eko bridge waterway, hit and destroyed the underwater pier and pile cap of the bridge, thereby causing a big threat to the structure of the bridge. He also made mention of unlawful dredging going on in the waterways of 3rd Mainland bridge where the dredger destroyed the pile cap of the bridge.  "We have inspected the 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge handled by Julius Berger to know what is happening below the deck, and we are satisfied with the work they're doing. I can say that the work on the 3rd Mainland Bridge is about 50 percent completed, and that of Carter Bridge is about 70 percent completed. We didn't visit Iddo Bridge because it's a small work, and it's not as dangerous as what is happening under the deck of Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. Part of Julius Berger's work is to reinstate the deflected slab in the 3rd Mainland bridge. We don't have deflection in Carter bridge and this is the reason why we closed the 3rd Mainland bridge against big trucks, and so they ( contractors) are insisting that they have a new design to tackle that because it's a very delicate work and they want our designers to go with them to Germany and look at the new design and then give approval, and so I've approved for that to  happen." Underscoring the importance of the underwater elements to the substructure of a bridge, the Honourable Minister explained, "The pile caps are like the legs to human beings. What the pile cap and the pies are to the bridges are what the legs are to human beings. So imagine a vehicle hitting one of your legs." Narrating what happened during his inspection to the bridge, he said, "And so I immediately directed divers to be deployed, and I went to the smaller boat to monitor the level of damages below the water, occasioned by this dredger that hit the pile. And I was very shocked. A whole one pile was totally removed. And what is holding that particular section is only the rods. So, some of the rods are removed. So it's like a whole leg of somebody is cut off."  He appealed to the Governor of Lagos State to consider the need to shut down the waterways between the Carter bridge and Eko bridge because of the risk occasioned by the impact of the capsized to underwater elements. "Let me appeal to the Governor of Lagos State to please enforce that the waterways between Carter Bridge and the Eko Bridge be closed because the dredger that hit the pile caps and the piles tumbled and they got sunk. So what is safe is for that section of the waterways to be closed down. And so I'm alerting all the authorities of the Navy, the Lagos State government, they have always been very proactive. This section of the waterway needs to be closed down immediately." He emphasized the danger of dredging sand along the bridge areas. He said, "The dredging of sand along seas and rivers is very dangerous because all the piles in Lagos State were executed through skin friction, which means that it is the sand that is holding the piles and holding the bridge. At the Third Mainland Bridge, we have installed a camera to observe what is going on top and also under the bridge. And so we're going to be looking at that for the bridges in Lagos even though it's quite a lot of cost. The Honourable Minister, who also visited the ongoing construction of Section I of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project by Hitech Construction Company Ltd, was full of joy for the quality and level of work the contractor has attained. Speaking at Chainage 13, where shore protection was being considered to be done, he said the President's bold decision to invest on infrastructure at this time of economic challenges, shows his practical political will to transform economic limitations to possibilities. The Honourable Minister highlighted the great investment and tourism opportunities that would be generated upon the completion of sections of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He said, "And, of course, we also have foreign investment in this, because 70% of this project is dollar-based, on loan as low as 2.5% single digit interest. And so, what is the problem if I can recover this money in 10 years? We're going to have a relief station along the corridor where we will have supermarkets, small clinic, towing vans, parking lots for cars and trucks and so on and so forth. We are going to have trees all through the route and, of course, solar lights and CCTV cameras. So, it's going to be a sight to behold. I want Nigerians to be very clear that the President is replicating what you see in the Western world, and people are saying don't do it." He urged Nigerians to keep faith with the vision underpinning the Renewed Hope agenda on road development, noting that where an individual's land is affected by the ongoing road infrastructure revolution, it is for the overriding public interest. He described as misleading and fictitious, the claim by one Mrs Ifeoma that she invested over $215m on her land on the right of way  at Chainage 18 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and urged those darkening counsel without knowledge to visit the location and see that no single structure was built there except a gate which has been removed to give way for construction work.  Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Works has absolved the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Olukorede Keisha of any negligence in her duty, noting that the findings of the Federal Ministry of Works revealed that the error in the procedure for the closing of Independence bridge, Lagos that caused the regrettable grid lock was an honest mistake, but with an intention to save lives. He has directed the Federal Controller of Works to resume work with immediate effect.   ...

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, SUCCESSFULLY REPAIRS AND REOPENS THE FAILED SECTION OF INDEPENDENCE BRIDGE LAGOS, INTRODUCES POLICY OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT/FEEDBACK MECHANISM BEFORE APPROVAL FOR CLOSURE OF FEDERAL ROADS NATIONWIDE In keeping with the abiding sense of responsibility and proactiveness of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has fixed the failed section of Independence bridge, Lagos, which was closed for repairs on 2nd April 2025, and which closure caused untold hardship to Lagosians due to gridlock, necessitating the visit of the Honourable Minister of Works on 3rd April 2025  less than 24 hours of the incident. In his speech to mark the opening of the bridge for traffic, the Honourable Minister said it was God's grace and enablement that informed the timeous success recorded in fixing the bridge. He noted that the reason for the closure of the bridge was not for pleasure but for a technical failure of the approach slab, which affected the strength and utility of the bridge. He, however, expressed displeasure that the right procedure for the closure was not followed, and that was the reason why the public was taken unawares. He said, "So, the reason for the closure was not for pleasure. It was because it became very dangerous for commuters to use the place. But we didn't do it in the right way. And now, we had a design for the project, and I've looked at the design that we intended to use by using God's wisdom and grace and experience, and we have agreed to redesign the project. It's going to be redesigned as one span in a bridge." He thanked Mr. President for his purposefulness in leadership that inspires passion, responsiveness, and proactiveness in handling matters that affect Nigerians. He also thanked the Governor of Lagos State, the engineers of the Federal Ministry of Works in Lagos, the contractor handling the bridge repair (Buildwell Nig Ltd), and Hitech Nigeria Ltd. for their cooperation and support and assistance that saw to the successful reopening of the bridge. He equally thanked Lagosians, the press and other well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders who showed concern over the plight of Nigerians affected by the closure of the bridge. He said, "So, we remain grateful to Mr. President. We also thank the Governor for his intervention and understanding and the information given to Lagosians that has drastically reduced bottlenecks all over the lsland. We are grateful. We are grateful for Hitech. Hitech gave us a lot of support, materials, and equipment. We are very thankful to Hitech. All through the night, they were bringing materials, they were bringing equipment. We also thank very highly our partner Buildwell, in this expert bridge. I absolve them of any blame in this circumstance. I'd rather thank them. They have been working in the past three days and nights, and we are grateful for their cooperation and for the partnership that has helped us to restore this bridge. And, of course, to Chief Elumelu and some other prominent Nigerians like Dangote, for their calls and encouragement. They even requested that they send their planes to carry us, and we said no" The Honourable Minister used the opportunity to roll out a new policy direction on measures to follow before a federal road is closed nationwide. He stated that going forward, a feedback mechanism through stakeholders' engagement would be a condition precedent that must take place before approval for closure of federal bridges/roads of essential utility such as those in Lagos State. He mentioned among others that the person seeking such closure must state "what is to be done on that place and then will state the technical problems and the technical solution. He will be able to put up all these exposures to the public. So, we request comments from the public and tell them how long it is going to last. And so, with this feedback, everybody is in the know, and then we'll be able to do that." ...

FG Flags Off Access Road to Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A), Reinforces Commitment to Infrastructure Development The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works has officially flagged off the Construction of a 17.55-Kilometre Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A) in Asaba, linking the South South Zone to the South East. This milestone event underscores the administration’s unwavering dedication to enhancing national road infrastructure and fostering economic growth. Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works Engr (Sen) David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE lauded the host State Government for its commitment to infrastructure development, emphasising that governance is about improving the lives of the people. He commended the Edo State Governor’s proactive approach to addressing road infrastructure needs, acknowledging the numerous ongoing projects, including three major flyovers in Warri town. "Your state is a construction site. You have demonstrated that leadership is about responsibility, not excuses. Instead of blaming the Federal government, you are taking proactive actions. That is highly commendable," he stated. Engr. Umahi further highlighted the Federal Government’s broader vision for road infrastructure, revealing that multiple strategic road projects are either ongoing or in the pipeline, nationwide. These include the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Benin-Asaba Expressway, the Sokoto-Gusau-Katsina-Kaduna corridor, the East-West Road, the remaining section of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, amongst others. He assured that the 9-kilometre extension of the just-flagged off Reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba Expressway to the 2nd Niger Bridge requested by the State Government has been approved. To ensure the security and sustainability of the newly constructed roads and bridges, the Government has implemented advanced surveillance measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras along the Access Roads and the Bridge. These cameras will be linked to the offices of the Governors of the concerned States to monitor activities and prevent vandalism. Additionally, the project will incorporate solar-powered streetlights to enhance visibility and security. The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritising inherited projects and delivering impactful infrastructure to Nigerians. He emphasized that under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, road projects nationwide are receiving unprecedented attention, ensuring seamless connectivity and economic progress. "All major road projects inherited by Mr. President are ongoing. He has given them priority attention. This administration believes in continuity and results, not political excuses," he stressed. The project, he continued, is part of a broader national infrastructure strategy aimed at connecting key economic zones and improving transportation efficiency. The government has assured that funding is secured, with 30% of the contract sum ready to be paid, while strict timelines and performance monitoring will be enforced to ensure timely delivery. The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, while acknowledging the presence of dignitaries at the occasion, stated “It is an honor and privilege to stand before you today, representing His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This occasion is not just about flagging off a road project—it is a testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to economic development, national integration, and infrastructure renewal. “The construction of the Access Road is a major step towards strengthening our nation’s connectivity. This road will ease movement, facilitate trade, and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Delta, Anambra, and beyond. It is yet another proof that under this administration, infrastructure development remains a top priority for fostering economic growth and national unity. I want to, especially, commend the government and people of Delta and Anambra States for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this project. Your support and cooperation are crucial in making this vision a reality. Infrastructure development is not just the responsibility of the Federal Government requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the State Governments, Local Communities, and Private Sector Partners,” says the President. The Governor added “To our esteemed contractors, I urge you to ensure the highest standards of quality and timely completion of this project. This is not just a road; it is a legacy of progress that will serve generations to come.” He extended his gratitude to all present-the traditional rulers, community leaders, and all who have contributed in one way or another to the realisation of the initiative. “Your support and dedication to the success of this project reflect our shared commitment to building a better, more connected Nigeria. As we look forward to its completion, let us all continue to work together for the development of our great nation,” Governor Oborevwori concluded. ...