Nigerian Bridges Haven’t Been Maintained After 40 Years – Fashola

The Federal Government owes contractors about N11.16tn for the construction of various highways across the country and certificates of completion.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola recently revealed this to the press, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, the major challenge to highways development in the country remains inadequate funding, and the shortage of younger engineers/technical officers in the ministry as a result of embargo on employment is also affecting proficient project supervision at the sites.

He added that it is a shame to see how our bridges have never been maintained since they were constructed over 40 years ago.

His words, “The main challenge to highways development in the country remains inadequate funding. As at date, the government is committed to highway contractors to the tune of about N10.4tn, while a total of about N765bn are unpaid certificates for executed works.”

“Secondly, the shortage of younger engineers/technical officers in the ministry as a result of embargo on employment is affecting proficient project supervision at the sites. It is expected that more sources of funding of highway projects be explored as well as lifting the embargo on employment of needed engineers/technical officers at middle level to enhance supervision of projects.”

“Construction companies don’t buy diesel; they buy from the market. All of these suppliers are small businesses who benefit from and are impacted by what we do.”

“In spite of all odds, 20 major highway projects have so far been completed in 2022 and are ready for commissioning. The total cost of the completed projects is in the sum of N444.322,123,808.61 and they cover a total length of 379.677km. Additionally, there are 59 major highways/bridges priority projects that are at advanced level, to be completed within 2022-2023, with a total contract sum of N60,961,187,130.71.”

“Some bridges have never been maintained since they were constructed over 40 years ago. Furthermore, illegal commercial (human) activities, which are detrimental to these national assets, contributed to their deterioration.”