By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The Works Ministry has dismissed social media claims of defects on the Oju-Ore Bridge in Ota, saying integrity tests confirmed the structure is safe
Oju-Ore Bridge Scare: Works Ministry Dismisses Defect Claims, Says Project Is Structurally Safe
The Federal Ministry of Works has moved to calm concerns over the structural safety of the Oju-Ore Bridge in Ota, Ogun State, dismissing social media claims of substandard construction and insisting that the bridge remains structurally sound.
The ministry gave the assurance after a technical inspection of the ongoing project by a delegation led by the Director of Bridges, Highways and Road Designs, Engr. Musa Saidu, on the directive of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.
The inspection was prompted by concerns circulating on social media over the quality and structural integrity of the bridge.
Speaking with journalists after the assessment, Saidu said the project had complied with the required engineering standards and described allegations of structural failure as unsubstantiated.
“The bridge has undergone integrity tests and passed. It is structurally stable,” he said.
The director cautioned members of the public against relying on photographs and videos circulated on social media to determine the structural condition of major infrastructure, stressing that such conclusions must be based on scientific and engineering assessments.
“Engineering decisions are based on scientific tests, not assumptions,” he said.
Saidu said the Federal Ministry of Works would not compromise on the quality of federal infrastructure projects, adding that the Oju-Ore Bridge was being constructed in accordance with approved designs and specifications under the supervision of the relevant authorities.
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He also described the quality of work carried out by the contractor, Laralek Construction Company, as satisfactory, while noting that some minor finishing works identified during the inspection would be addressed before the project is completed.
According to Saidu, the fact that heavy-duty vehicles had already crossed the bridge further demonstrated its structural capacity, although construction work was 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.
Saidu also urged the public to desist from circulating unverified information capable of undermining confidence in public infrastructure.
However, he warned traders and members of the public against operating or loitering underneath the bridge while construction activities continued, 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 Laralek Construction Company had overcome earlier challenges that slowed the project and would complete the remaining work within the stipulated timeframe.
Representing the contractor, Mr Tope Ojo said the bridge was being constructed in accordance with approved engineering designs, drawings and government specifications.
Ojo said the major structural components, including the spans, bearings, beams and piers, had been executed in line with 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 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 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 applicable engineering requirements.
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 reassured residents and motorists who had become concerned by reports circulating on social media.
He appealed to residents of Ota and motorists using the corridor to remain patient as the contractor completes the outstanding works.
Zubair expressed optimism that the bridge would soon be completed and opened fully to the public, easing 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 works in line with the approved project schedule.
