The Federal Ministry of Work has initiated an emergency repair on the compromised deck of the Benin-bound lane of the Shagamu-Benin Expressway after a structural defect that triggered the alarm among road users.
In a official declaration published on Tuesday by Uchenna Orji, special consultant (media) to the Labor Minister, the ministry confirmed the use of a team of engineers to the affected location on the border between Edo and Ondo State.
According to the explanation of the Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi led the immediate mobilization of technical experts after reports about a visible puncture in the bridge deck on the Benin-bound track of one of five spans from the dual cartage bridge.
“In accordance with the proactive infrastructure policy of the renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu, the quick intervention in the damaged department began,” said the ministry. “The repair requires a maximum time of 45 days after concrete work to enable proper hardening before the full vehicle movement is resumed.”
This incident marks the second time that a similar defect in the same bridge span was observed, whereby the previous edition was addressed immediately, the ministry added.
Bridge age and structural weakness
Officials attributed the recent damage to the natural aging of the infrastructure. The bridge built in 1981 has experienced decades of environmental pollution and strong traffic loads without a full -fledged deck exchange.
“Over time, structural wear and tear is inevitable, especially for bridges of this age,” said the Ministry. “The materials deteriorate due to factors such as corrosion, cracks and consistent load pressure. The weakening of the deck is a result of long -term deterioration that now requires comprehensive attention.”
Permanently fixed in progress
To ensure a sustainable solution, the Ministry moves with plans for a complete overhaul of the cover plates on both bridges that are located in the States Ondo and Edo.
“This is not just a patchwork fix. We remove the entire cover structure and rebuild it with innovative technical technologies,” said Minister Umahi. He emphasized that the reconstruction efforts are part of a wider national initiative for over 30 bridges for rehabilitation across the country alone in 2025.
During the reconstruction period, the non -affected road is used to manage the traffic flow, whereby the Federal Road Safety Corps is supported to minimize the standstill and the safety of commuter security.
Public alert praised, criticism addressed
The ministry also recognized and thanked the person who sharpened the public awareness of the deteriorating state of the bridge, and at the same time it was concerned about the government's road infrastructure initiatives.
“We appreciate the content creator who has emphasized the problem. Although we find out his critical attitude towards the efforts of the administration, we ask all citizens to recognize the progress in the context of the renewed Hope agenda,” says the explanation.
Renewed Hope Agenda, the nationwide infrastructure thrust
Minister Umahi confirmed the commitment of the Tinubu government to revise the transport infrastructure in Nigeria and to position street development as a core strategy for economic progress.
“The President's Legacy projects should promote growth in several sectors of healthcare and education through tourism, trade and industry,” said Umahi. “Our mission is to reverse the years of infrastructure decline and to build a networked, more efficient and wealthier Nigeria.”