-Ministry dismisses social media claims of structural failure
The Federal Ministry of Works has dismissed reports alleging structural defects on the Oju-Ore Bridge in Ota, Ogun State, saying the bridge has passed the required integrity tests and remains structurally sound.
The ministry gave the assurance following an inspection of the ongoing project by a delegation led by the Director of Bridges, Highways and Road Designs, Engr. Musa Saidu, acting on the directive of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.
The inspection followed concerns raised on social media about the quality and structural integrity of the bridge.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, Saidu said the assessment showed that the project complied with the required engineering standards, describing the allegations of structural failure as unsubstantiated.
“The bridge has undergone integrity tests and passed. It is structurally stable,” he said.
He cautioned against using photographs or videos posted on social media as a basis for determining the structural integrity of a major infrastructure project, stressing that such assessments must be based on scientific and engineering tests.
“Engineering decisions are based on scientific tests, not assumptions,” he said.
Saidu said the ministry would not compromise on the quality of federal infrastructure projects, adding that the Oju-Ore Bridge was being constructed in line with approved designs and specifications and under the supervision of relevant authorities.
He said the quality of work carried out by the contractor, Laralek Construction Company, was satisfactory, although some minor finishing works identified during the inspection would be addressed before completion.
According to him, the fact that heavy-duty vehicles had already traversed the bridge was further evidence of its structural capacity, although construction work was yet to be completed.
“The structural stability of the bridge is guaranteed. Heavy trucks are already moving across it, even though construction has not been fully completed,” he said.
The director also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of undermining confidence in public infrastructure.
He, however, warned traders and other members of the public against operating or loitering beneath the bridge while construction activities were ongoing, describing the practice as unsafe.
“Construction sites are restricted areas across the world. People should not be trading or loitering beneath an active bridge project. It poses serious safety risks,” he said.
The ministry expressed confidence that the contractor had overcome earlier challenges that affected the pace of construction and would complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.
Contractor Explains
Representing Laralek Construction Company, Mr Tope Ojo said the bridge was being constructed in accordance with approved engineering designs, drawings and government specifications.
He said the major structural components, including the spans, bearings, beams and piers, had been executed according to the approved designs, with some components exceeding the minimum design requirements.
“There is absolutely no cause for alarm. Every integrity test required for the bridge has been conducted, and all results confirmed compliance with engineering standards,” Ojo said.
He added that the integrity tests were conducted by independent consultants and not by the contractor, with the results subsequently submitted to the relevant authorities.
Ojo further disclosed that officials of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had conducted an on-site technical assessment of the project.
According to him, the assessment covered the critical structural elements of the bridge and confirmed compliance with the applicable engineering requirements.
Stakeholders Welcome Assessment
A member of the Oju-Ore Stakeholders Council, Comrade Akomolafe Zubair, welcomed the ministry’s intervention, saying the technical assessment would help restore public confidence in the project.
Zubair said the inspection had provided reassurance to residents and motorists who had become concerned by reports circulating on social media.
He appealed to residents of Ota and motorists plying the corridor to remain patient as the contractor completes the outstanding works.
He expressed optimism that the bridge would soon be completed and opened to full public use, easing movement along the busy Ota corridor.
The Oju-Ore Bridge project remains under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works, with the contractor expected to complete the remaining works in line with the approved project schedule.
