By Omoh Global News
The Federal Ministry of Works has dismissed concerns over the structural integrity of the Oju-Ore Bridge in Ota, Ogun State, declaring that the bridge is structurally sound and has passed the required integrity tests.
The ministry’s position followed 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 and claims circulating on social media, including photographs and videos alleging possible structural defects in the bridge.
However, after assessing the project, the ministry said the construction was being executed in line with approved engineering designs, specifications and standards.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Saidu described the allegations of structural defects as unfounded, stressing that the integrity of a major bridge could only be established through proper engineering tests and not photographs or social media videos.
“The bridge has undergone integrity tests and passed. It is structurally stable. No one can determine the integrity of a bridge simply by taking photographs or posting videos on social media. Engineering decisions are based on scientific tests, not assumptions,” he said.
Saidu assured that the Federal Ministry of Works would not compromise engineering standards, adding that the project was being executed under the ministry’s supervision.
He also commended the indigenous contractor, Laralek Construction Company, for the quality of work delivered, noting that only minor finishing works identified during the inspection remained.
“The structural stability of the bridge is guaranteed. Heavy trucks are already moving across it, even though construction has not been fully completed. That alone demonstrates its strength,” Saidu added.
Ministry Warns Traders Over Bridge Encroachment
The director, however, raised concern over the activities of traders and other persons operating beneath and around the bridge.
He warned that the occupation of the construction corridor posed serious safety risks and urged traders and members of the public to vacate the area.
“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.
Saidu further expressed confidence that the contractor had overcome some of the challenges affecting the pace of construction and would deliver the project within the stipulated timeframe.
Ogun Controller Confirms Compliance
The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Engr. Adeleke Richard, also confirmed that the inspection established compliance with approved engineering specifications and standards.
Richard praised Laralek Construction Company for the quality of work delivered but identified persistent interference within the construction corridor as one of the factors slowing down the project.
He appealed to community leaders and other stakeholders to assist the ministry in controlling activities around the bridge.
Richard also disclosed that the contractor was providing a pavement thickness above the approved minimum specification.
“While the approved pavement thickness is 200 millimetres, the contractor is delivering 250 millimetres,” he said.
According to him, the additional thickness would enhance the durability and longevity of the infrastructure.
Contractor: No Cause for Alarm
Representing Laralek Construction Company, Mr. Tope Ojo said the bridge was being constructed strictly in accordance with approved engineering designs and government specifications.
He maintained that the major structural components—including the spans, bearings, beams and piers—had been executed in line with approved drawings, with some components exceeding 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 stated.
He disclosed that the integrity tests were conducted by independent consultants and that the results had been submitted to the relevant authorities for verification and documentation.
Ojo also revealed that officials of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had carried out an on-site technical assessment of the bridge.
According to him, the COREN team examined critical structural components and confirmed that the construction complied with the required engineering standards.
Stakeholders Welcome Ministry’s Assurance
Reacting to the inspection, a member of the Oju-Ore Stakeholders Council, Comrade Akomolafe Zubair, welcomed the ministry’s intervention, saying the technical assessment had helped restore public confidence in the project.
Zubair said the declaration was particularly significant following concerns generated by photographs and reports circulating on social media.
He urged residents to rely on verified technical assessments rather than unsubstantiated claims, while appealing for patience as the contractor completes the remaining works.
He expressed optimism that the bridge would soon be completed and opened for full public use, bringing relief to motorists, traders and residents who depend heavily on the Oju-Ore corridor.
The ministry’s latest assessment has therefore sought to put recent concerns over the bridge’s structural integrity to rest, with officials maintaining that the project remains safe, compliant with engineering standards and on course for completion.
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