By Joy Onu
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has raised concern over the increasing practice of parking fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed highways, warning that such actions could significantly damage Nigeria’s critical road infrastructure.
Umahi sounded the warning on Saturday during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State, where he observed that sections of a newly completed road were obstructed by stationary fuel tankers.
According to the minister, the practice not only disrupts traffic flow but also poses a serious threat to the structural integrity and longevity of road projects that require massive public investment.
“Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked, not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers parked on the road,” he said.
Umahi explained that road infrastructure is not designed to withstand prolonged static loading from heavy vehicles, stressing that such pressure can cause early deterioration of the pavement.
“No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads.
They will destroy the road,” he warned.
The minister noted that the Aleto Bridge project represents a major federal investment valued at over ₦230 billion, with ₦156 billion allocated for the first phase and ₦83 billion for the second phase.
He said safeguarding such projects is critical, questioning why infrastructure funded with public resources should be allowed to deteriorate due to misuse.
“Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?” he asked.
Despite the concern, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contractor, RCC, describing the project as a highly technical engineering undertaking.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening to sustain funding for the project after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) reportedly ceased financial support in August 2025.
According to the minister, the President quickly approved an alternative funding arrangement to ensure that work continued without disruption.
“We are not owing RCC on this project. It is a very highly skilled and technical project and I’m very happy with the quality of work,” he said.
Umahi described the Aleto Bridge development as a landmark infrastructure project incorporating modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, reinforced structural features and environmental landscaping.
He disclosed that the Federal Government also plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship programme initiated by President Tinubu to promote practical learning and technical capacity development.
“We are making efforts on President Tinubu’s mentorship programme where young engineers will come and study what we’re doing here. They are our future leaders and it is a technical project to behold,” he added.
Providing an update on the project timeline, Umahi said one carriageway is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, while the first phase of the project is projected for full completion by August this year.
He further expressed optimism that the second phase, which includes several flyovers and bridges, will also be delivered within the year.
The minister also revealed that the project was redesigned from asphalt to concrete pavement on the directive of President Tinubu to ensure greater durability and long-term value.
“We inherited this project from zero ground. It was the President that directed that we should redesign using concrete, and you can see the result,” he said.
Umahi called on Nigerians, particularly transport operators and road users, to take collective responsibility for protecting public infrastructure, noting that government alone cannot monitor every highway across the country.
“The road is being done and it’s been perfectly done, but we have a duty to protect it. Let us protect our own,” he said.
