The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed concern over the practice of parking heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads, which he believes poses a direct threat to the durability and lifespan of national infrastructure. Umahi made this known during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State, where he observed that fuel tankers had been parked on the road, blocking it entirely. He noted that no road infrastructure is designed to withstand prolonged static loading from heavy vehicles, which can cause damage and destruction.
The Aleto Bridge project, with a total cost of over ₦230 billion, is a significant investment that must be protected. Umahi commended the contractor, RCC, for delivering high-quality work and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in sustaining the project despite funding challenges. Despite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ceasing funding in August 2025, the President approved an alternative funding mechanism, ensuring that work continued uninterrupted.
Umahi also highlighted the project's innovative features, including modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, and environmental landscaping. He further stated that the Federal Government is committed to human capital development, with plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship programme championed by President Tinubu.
President Tinubu's decisive intervention in sustaining the Aleto Bridge project is a welcome development, particularly given the significant investment involved. However, the Minister's concerns about the parking of heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads highlight the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure. The practice of parking fuel tankers on roads is not only damaging to the infrastructure but also poses a risk to road users. The Federal Government's commitment to human capital development through the mentorship programme is also commendable, as it has the potential to develop the skills of young Nigerian engineers and contribute to the country's economic growth. Ultimately, the success of the Aleto Bridge project will depend on the ability of all stakeholders to work together to protect and maintain the infrastructure.
