The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured Lagos residents that the recent repairs on the Independence Bridge are permanent, eliminating the need for further work on the damaged section.
Speaking during an inspection of key bridges in Lagos, Umahi noted that resurfacing of both carriageways is already included in an ongoing contract with Buildwell Construction.
“We thank God for His wisdom and Mr President for his immediate directive after learning of the hardship faced by Lagosians,” Umahi said. He also commended Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, construction firms Buildwell and Hitech, and engineers from the Lagos Ministry of Works for their collaborative efforts.
The bridge was closed suddenly due to a total failure of the return wall and a dangerous hole caused by sand leakage. Umahi explained: “The slab connecting the bridge to the road had broken, posing a significant safety risk. We had no choice but to close it immediately.”
He emphasised the importance of regular inspections, adding that many structures had been neglected until President Tinubu prioritised the works sector. “This situation highlights the need for consistent maintenance of aging bridges,” he stated.
On the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the technical standards, noting that the road’s concrete thickness exceeds specifications, enhancing its lifespan to over 100 years.
He commended the contractor, HITECH Construction, for exceeding expectations, with cube strength tests showing the concrete’s durability surpassing projections by over 35 per cent .
Umahi also highlighted innovative design elements, including the use of Logitna 20mm rods that eliminate expansion joints, ensuring continuity and preventing cracks. The highway will feature tolling points, rest houses, and advanced surveillance systems for 24/7 monitoring, with rapid response capabilities within 10 minutes.
However, he warned against unauthorised access by residents of adjoining communities, stressing that direct entry could create gridlock and compromise the highway’s efficiency.
“This is a federal superhighway; access must be through designated flyovers and interchanges,” he said, adding that barriers and retaining walls are being integrated into the design.
The project, financed under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model, is on track for completion by December 2025. Funding includes 30 per cent from the federal government and 70 per cent from international lenders such as Deutsche Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
Hitech’s Managing Director, Dany Abboud, confirmed that the westbound carriageway has reached kilometre 19.5, while the eastbound is at kilometre 18. Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Keisha, praised the contractor’s dedication, describing their progress as “magical.”
