Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has raised concerns over the misuse of newly constructed roads, warning that the practice of parking fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on highways could severely damage critical infrastructure.
The Minister gave the warning during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State.
During the inspection, Umahi said the dangerous trend, by fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles parked on completed sections of the road,will obstruct traffic and threaten the durability of the infrastructure.
He stressed that no road is designed to withstand prolonged static loads, warning that such misuse could lead to early deterioration.
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With the Aleto Bridge project valued at over 230 billion naira, the Minister questioned the rationale behind allowing such a major investment to be compromised.
The Minister also highlighted the strategic redesign of the project from asphalt to concrete pavement, a decision directed by the President to ensure long-term durability.
Despite the concerns, the minister expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work by the contractor, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring continuity of the project through alternative funding after support from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company ceased in 2025.
He urged road users and transport operators to avoid actions that could undermine the lifespan of the nation’s roads, emphasizing that safeguarding public assets is a shared responsibility.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
