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 stable.
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 was carried out after concerns about the quality and structural integrity of the bridge surfaced on social media.
Saidu said the assessment confirmed that the project complied with the required engineering standards, describing claims of structural failure as unsubstantiated.
“The bridge has undergone integrity tests and passed. It is structurally stable,” he said.
He cautioned against relying on photographs and videos shared on social media to determine the structural condition of major infrastructure, stressing that such assessments must be based on proper scientific and engineering examinations.
“Engineering decisions are based on scientific tests, not assumptions,” he said.
Saidu assured that the ministry would not compromise the quality of federal infrastructure projects, adding that the Oju-Ore Bridge was being constructed according to approved designs and specifications under the supervision of the relevant authorities.
He described the quality of work by the contractor, Laralek Construction Company, as satisfactory, while noting that some minor finishing works identified during the inspection would be completed before the project is delivered.
According to him, the fact that heavy-duty vehicles had already passed across the bridge further demonstrated its structural capacity, even though construction activities were still ongoing.
“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 appealed to members of the public to avoid circulating unverified information that could undermine confidence in public infrastructure.
He warned traders and other members of the public against trading or staying underneath the bridge while construction work was still ongoing, describing the practice as dangerous.
“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 addressed earlier challenges that slowed the project and would complete the bridge within the approved timeframe.
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 major structural components, including the spans, bearings, beams and piers, had been executed according to the approved designs, with some elements exceeding the minimum 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 explained that the integrity tests were carried out by independent consultants rather than the contractor, with the results subsequently submitted to the relevant authorities.
Ojo also 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 examined the critical structural components of the bridge and confirmed that they met the applicable engineering requirements.
A member of the Oju-Ore Stakeholders Council, Comrade Akomolafe Zubair, welcomed the ministry’s intervention, saying the technical inspection would help restore confidence in the project.
Zubair said the assessment had reassured residents and motorists who had become concerned by reports circulating online.
He appealed to residents of Ota and motorists using the corridor to remain patient while the contractor completes the outstanding work.
He expressed optimism that the bridge would soon be completed and opened for full public use, helping to ease movement along the busy Ota corridor.
The Oju-Ore Bridge project remains under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works, with Laralek Construction Company expected to complete the remaining work in line with the approved project schedule.
Source: Federal Ministry of Works
