By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Federal Government will now monitor Lagos bridges and other critical assets in Nigeria to preempt possible terrorist attacks.
The FG has inaugurated a cutting-edge surveillance room to monitor activities on the Third Mainland Bridge, strategic assets across the country especially in Lagos and Abuja.
Announcing this initiative on Thursday in Lagos, Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, highlighted the facility’s capabilities during an on-site inspection of infrastructure projects across the southwest, including the Third Mainland Bridge.
Lagos is hub to THE country’s cobweb of bridges. Few years ago, the Lagos State Government under Mr Babatunde Fashola subverted attempts by terrorists to bomb the Third Mainland bridge.
According to Umahi, the control room will be manned by security personnel from the Army, Navy, Police, and local agencies, ensuring a coordinated response. Additionally, a dedicated patrol boat and response vehicles have been deployed, enabling security teams to reach incidents within five minutes.
The Minister also shared plans to extend similar high-tech security installations to other major highways, including the Lagos-Calabar, Sokoto-Badagry, Trans-Sahara, Abuja-Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Keffi-Makurdi, Lagos-Ibadan, and Abuja-Kano routes. As part of the broader infrastructure plan, solar lighting will be installed on key roadways to improve nighttime visibility and support economic activity.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Umahi noted, is nearing completion, and arrangements are underway to concession the first section for ongoing maintenance and operations.
Legislators Applaud Security and Infrastructure Upgrades
Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, praised the establishment of the CCTV control room for monitoring the Third Mainland Bridge, commending the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing safety and curbing vandalism of critical infrastructure like handrails and streetlights.
Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, also commended the government’s infrastructure efforts, particularly noting the recent commencement of the coastal road in Ondo. Ngwu underscored the Senate’s support for the Ministry’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of securing legislative backing for the projects.
Senator Mpigi Barinada of Rivers South East advocated for fair distribution of such innovative projects across all regions. He emphasized transparency and accountability in infrastructure development and highlighted the importance of a strong Senate-Ministry collaboration for budget oversight and high-quality project execution.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, reiterated the House’s commitment to overseeing government expenditures, particularly the 2024 budget. Alabi lauded the Minister’s proactive approach in addressing infrastructure challenges and assured the Committee’s active oversight to ensure transparency and prioritization of national interests.
Earlier, the Ministry of Works officially commenced construction on the Ondo segment of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
This security-enhanced infrastructure strategy underscores Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding both the integrity of public assets and the safety of citizens on its major roadways.
