By Faridat Salifu
the federal government has announced plans to intensify efforts to protect critical roads and bridges from damage caused by overloaded and non-compliant vehicles.
minister of works, senator david umahi, made this known in a statement issued by the ministry’s director of press and public relations, mohammed ahmed.
he cited recent structural damage to several bridges — including the keffi flyover — as a result of container-laden trailers exceeding permissible height and weight limits.
“when the height or weight of what you are transporting goes beyond the permitted clearance, it can seriously damage bridges and flyovers,” umahi said.
he explained that most flyovers and interchanges were designed with clearance heights ranging between 5.5 and 6.5 metres.
“ignoring these limits is not only unlawful but also shortens the lifespan of infrastructure,” he added.
the minister said seven bridges along the lagos–ibadan expressway had already suffered structural damage from such violations.
on the eko bridge in lagos, umahi reported that 80 percent of repair work had been completed following fire damage under the previous administration.
he also gave assurances that rehabilitation works were ongoing on both the third mainland bridge and the carter bridge.
“all repairs are being done according to professional engineering standards to guarantee the safety of all road users,” he said, urging lagos residents to remain patient.
to enforce compliance, umahi revealed that the ministry, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, would launch a nationwide clampdown on vehicles violating height and weight regulations.
permanent secretary in the ministry, Olufunsho Adebiyi, emphasized that safeguarding national infrastructure was a shared responsibility.
“our roads and bridges are vital to the economy. if heavy-duty vehicle operators continue breaking the rules, they will cause early deterioration,” he warned.
he appealed to truck drivers, transport unions, logistics firms and construction companies to follow safety guidelines and work with authorities.
“we need everyone to understand that preserving roads and bridges is in the interest of all nigerians,” Adebiyi said.
