The Federal Ministry of Works has announced an urgent intervention regarding the damaged deck of the Benin-bound section of the Shagamu-Benin carriageway, assuring road users of a swift and lasting solution.
In a statement released on Tuesday, signed by Uchenna Orji, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, the ministry confirmed that it is actively addressing repairs and has dispatched a team of engineers to the site.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed the immediate dispatch of a team of engineers to the location of the damaged bridge at the border of Edo and Ondo States along the Shagamu-Benin carriageway.
The ministry reported that the affected bridge, which features a double carriageway, has sustained a visible puncture on the Benin-bound side within one of its five spans.
In line with the proactive measures taken by the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu GCFR, urgent action has been initiated to address the damage. It is expected to take a maximum of 45 days after concrete works for vehicular movement to resume on that section of the carriageway, allowing the concrete to mature.
It is worth noting that a similar incident occurred previously on one of the spans, which was repaired promptly.
The ministry attributed the damage to age-related deterioration, highlighting that the Shagamu-Benin bridge was constructed in 1981.
The damage observed on the bridge is a result of age-related deterioration. Bridges are prone to structural issues due to aging. The Shagamu-Benin bridge, built in 1981, is experiencing aging effects. The lifespan of a bridge can greatly vary depending on factors such as the materials used, environmental conditions, traffic loads, and maintenance practices, leading to problems like punctures, cracks, corrosion, or structural weaknesses.
Umahi assured that a permanent solution is in the works, involving a full deck reconstruction using innovative engineering technology.
The minister committed to removing the entire deck slab of the two sets of bridges located in Ondo and Edo States, which are situated in the same area, and rebuilding the deck slab with advanced engineering methods.
He expressed apologies to road users for any inconveniences experienced or anticipated during the rehabilitation period. He assured that the Federal Ministry of Works would collaborate with Federal Road Safety personnel to maintain traffic flow on one carriageway of the bridge during repairs to prevent motorists from getting stuck in traffic.
Umahi also noted that President Tinubu is intervening in the rehabilitation of over 30 bridges nationwide in 2025 alone, emphasizing that this work will be conducted urgently.
He acknowledged the individual who raised awareness about the bridge damage, encouraging the public to recognize the administration’s efforts in improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
The Minister of Works thanked the content creator for bringing attention to the damaged section of the bridge. He acknowledged the creator’s perceptions of the Renewed Hope administration’s efforts to enhance road infrastructure and expand the transportation ecosystem for progressive national economic growth. He urged the public to understand that the Renewed Hope agenda to revolutionize road infrastructure across Nigeria is progressing significantly.”
Umahi reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transport sector, describing the Renewed Hope projects as essential for economic growth.
The minister reaffirmed Mr. President’s steadfast commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transport sector and positioning it for sustainable economic prosperity.
The initiative to construct the Renewed Hope legacy projects, alongside inherited ongoing road projects, represents a bold vision to expand the nation’s road network, acting as a catalyst for overall development, including healthcare, education, tourism, regional integration, industrialization, and various other economic activities that aim to elevate the nation’s human development index.
