Parking of heavy vehicles threaten roads durability, lifespan – Umahi warns

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has issued a stern warning against the damaging practice of parking fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads.

During an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State on Saturday, Umahi emphasized that such actions pose a direct threat to the durability and lifespan of critical national infrastructure.

According to him, “Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked… not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers, they parked on the road,”

Umahi stated, expressing his serious concern while further clarified that no road infrastructure is designed to withstand prolonged static loading from heavy vehicles.

Asserting, “No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads, they will destroy the road.”

The Aleto Bridge project, a significant investment exceeding ₦230 billion (₦156 billion for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two), is a testament to the nation’s commitment to infrastructure development.
The Minister stressed the importance of protecting these substantial investments, questioning, “Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?”.

Umahi commended the contractor, RCC, for the pace and quality of work, and extended his gratitude to the President Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in sustaining the project.

“I want to thank RCC very highly and commend Mr President for his heart of love toward the Niger Delta,” he remarked.
He highlighted that despite funding from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ceasing in August 2025, President Tinubu promptly approved an alternative funding mechanism, ensuring uninterrupted progress.

“We are not owing RCC on this project… it is a very, very highly skilled and technical project and I’m very happy with the quality of work.”

The Minister described the Aleto Bridge Project as a landmark engineering effort, showcasing modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, environmental landscaping, and reinforced structural features.
In a move to foster human capital development, Minister Umahi announced plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship program championed by President Tinubu.

“We are making efforts on President Tinubu 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.”

Regarding timelines, Umahi noted that one carriageway of the project is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, with the first phase projected for full completion by August 2026.

He expressed confidence that the second phase, encompassing multiple flyovers and bridges, will be delivered within the year.
“The strategic redesign of the project from asphalt to concrete pavement, a decision directed by the President, was also highlighted as a key factor in ensuring long-term durability.

“We inherited this project from zero ground. It was the President that directed that we should redesign using concrete and then you can see the result.”

Concluding his address, the Minister called upon all Nigerians, particularly road users and transport operators, to embrace collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure.

“Let us protect our own. The minister cannot be here and everywhere. The road is being done and it’s been perfectly done but we have a duty to protect it.”Source: Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Press Release, March 22, 2026.