FG Begins Urgent Repairs on Damaged Shagamu-Benin Bridge

FG Begins Urgent Repairs on Damaged Shagamu-Benin Bridge.
Umahi promises full deck reconstruction with modern engineering technology.
Tinubu administration rehabilitating over 30 bridges nationwide in 2025.

The Federal Government has announced an urgent intervention on the damaged deck of the Benin-bound section of the Shagamu-Benin carriageway, assuring Nigerians of a prompt and permanent solution.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Uchenna Orji, the ministry said it is closely monitoring the repairs and has deployed engineers to the site.

“The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has instructed the immediate deployment of a team of engineers to the site of the damaged bridge at the border of Edo and Ondo States along the Shagamu-Benin carriageway,” the statement read.

According to the ministry, the affected bridge, a double carriageway, developed a visible puncture on the Benin-bound side within one of its five spans.

The statement added: “In line with the proactive measures of the Renewed Hope administration under President Bola Tinubu, urgent action has been initiated. Vehicular movement is expected to resume within 45 days after the completion and curing of concrete works. A similar incident occurred on one of the spans in the past and was promptly repaired.”

The ministry attributed the damage to age-related deterioration, noting that the Shagamu-Benin bridge, built in 1981, has exceeded its lifespan.

“The damage is due to ageing. Over time, bridges are prone to punctures, cracks, corrosion, or structural weaknesses caused by traffic loads, environmental conditions, and maintenance gaps,” the ministry explained.

Umahi assured that the government is adopting a long-term solution, which involves full deck reconstruction with innovative engineering technology. The reconstruction will cover the two sets of bridges within Ondo and Edo States.

He apologised to motorists for the inconvenience during the rehabilitation period and said the ministry will work with the Federal Road Safety Corps to manage traffic flow and prevent gridlock.

The minister also revealed that President Tinubu’s administration is intervening in the rehabilitation of more than 30 bridges nationwide in 2025. He commended the individual who raised the alarm about the damaged section, urging Nigerians to appreciate the government’s ongoing efforts to revamp road infrastructure.

“The Minister of Works thanks the content creator who raised the alarm on the bridge and urges the public to recognise the Renewed Hope agenda, which is revitalising and strengthening deteriorating federal roads across the country,” the statement noted.

Umahi further described President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope legacy projects as a bold vision to expand Nigeria’s road network and stimulate economic development.

“The President’s unwavering commitment to road infrastructure is a catalyst for national growth, impacting healthcare, education, tourism, industrialisation, regional integration, and other economic activities that will raise Nigeria’s human development index,” the minister stated.

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