FG begins emergency repairs on damaged Sagamu-Benin bridge deck
By Kunle Sanni –
The Federal Government has commenced urgent repairs on the damaged deck of the Benin-bound carriageway of the Sagamu-Benin bridge at the Edo–Ondo border.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, dispatched a team of engineers to the site following reports of a puncture on one of the bridge’s five spans. The bridge, built in 1981, is experiencing age-related deterioration, officials said.
According to the ministry, rehabilitation will take up to 45 days after concrete works to allow curing before the affected lane reopens to traffic. Similar damage on another span was repaired in the past.
Umahi announced plans for a permanent solution involving the complete replacement of the deck slabs on both carriageways using “innovative engineering technology.” Traffic will be diverted to the unaffected lane with the support of the Federal Road Safety Corps to minimise disruption.
He apologised to motorists for the inconvenience and said the project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 programme to rehabilitate over 30 bridges nationwide.
The minister also acknowledged the content creator who raised the alarm about the damaged section, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s road infrastructure under its Renewed Hope agenda.
