I have been involved in putting together policy and procedure for Bridge management in a state in USA. Nigeria needs a Bridge Management Program(BMP), Structural inventory & Appraisal process, National Inspection Program, Transportation Improvement Program and Highway Funding Policy. These are just few programs that will help maintain the nation bridge safety and improvement. I agreed with the writer that Federal, state and LG should come together to develop the Program but LG are under lock by state governors in Nigeria. Private Sector and Engineer should be involve in writing the standard and requirements in their industry and not actual policy. The government supply the funding and should provide the guidelines for spending eligibility list. However, what are the requirements for funding a bridge rehabilitation? Did all the 52 bridges meets the lay down eligibility criteria? How many of these bridges are structurally deficient? So, many unknown questions. There are so much to be done to improve Nigeria roads and bridges. Example of a very poor designed and constructed is a bridge over Benin-Ore expressway in Ijebu Ode. That bridge will require constant maintenance in couple of years.
As far as some state spending on roads is concern, there must be prior MOU on reimbursement. Otherwise, FG do not owe them anything.