The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has declared an urgent intervention regarding the damaged deck of the Benin-bound section of the Shagamu-Benin carriageway, assuring road users of a prompt and enduring solution.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Uchenna Orji, on Tuesday, the ministry indicated that it is diligently monitoring the repairs and has sent a team of engineers to the site.

“The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has instructed the immediate deployment of a team of engineers to the site of the damaged bridge at the border of Edo and Ondo States along the Shagamu-Benin carriageway,” the statement noted.

Naijaonpoint understands that 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 accordance with the proactive measures taken by the Renewed Hope administration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu GCFR, urgent action has been initiated on the damaged section of the bridge, and it is expected that vehicular movement will resume on that section of the carriageway within a maximum of 45 days following the completion of concrete works to allow for the concrete to cure. It is worth mentioning that a similar incident occurred in the past on one of the spans, which was repaired promptly,” the statement further elaborated.

The ministry has attributed the damage to age-related deterioration, emphasising that the Shagamu-Benin bridge was constructed in 1981.

“The damage observed on the aforementioned bridge is due to age-related deterioration. Bridges are prone to structural undermining as a result of aging. The Shagamu-Benin bridge, built in 1981, is experiencing the effects of ageing. The lifespan of a bridge can vary considerably based on various factors, including the materials utilised, environmental conditions, traffic loads, and maintenance practices. Over time, this can lead to issues such as punctures, cracks, corrosion, or structural weaknesses,” it added.

Umahi assured us that a permanent solution is underway, using full deck reconstruction using innovative engineering technology.

The Minister of Works also assures that a permanent solution is underway for the Shagamu-Benin bridge, which is to remove the entire deck slab of the two sets of bridges in Ondo and Edo States, which are all within the same location, and rebuild the deck slab through innovative engineering technology.

He apologises to the road users for the inconveniences they have suffered or will suffer during the period of the rehabilitation work.

Umahi assures that the Federal Ministry of Works shall work with the Federal Road Safety personnel to maintain traffic on one carriageway of the bridge during the period of the rehabilitation to avoid motorists getting stuck in a traffic jam.

“He states that Mr. President is intervening on over 30 bridges’ rehabilitation nationwide in 2025 alone, and this rehabilitation will happen urgently

“He also acknowledged the individual who raised the alarm about the bridge damage, urging the public to appreciate the administration’s efforts in revamping Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

“The Minister of Works thanks the content creator who raised the alarm on the damaged section of the bridge. He notes the content creator’s preconceptions over the modest efforts of the Renewed Hope administration to transform the road infrastructure and expand the transportation ecosystem to stimulate progressive national economic growth but urges him and others with such mindsets to know that the Renewed Hope agenda of revolutionising road infrastructure nationwide is on course and the mission of revitalising and strengthenening the inherited deteriorating federal road architecture is making significant progress across the board,” the statement added.

Umahi also reiterated the incumbent administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s transport sector, describing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope projects as a catalyst for economic growth.

“The minister reiterates the unwavering commitment of Mr. President in transforming Nigeria’s transport sector and positioning it for sustainable economic prosperity. His initiative to construct the Renewed Hope legacy projects in addition to the inherited ongoing road projects is a bold and broad vision to expand the nation’s road network, which is a catalyst for overall development, including healthcare, education, tourism, regional integration, industrialisation, and various other economic activities that will raise the nation’s human development index,” the statement concluded.