Umahi Unveils Plan to Replace Divers With Underwater Robots for Bridge Safety Checks
In a bold move to enhance infrastructure safety, the Federal Government has announced plans to deploy robotic machines for underwater bridge inspections across Nigeria.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project held on Sunday.
According to Umahi, the use of robotic machines will significantly reduce the high cost of hiring human divers for deep water assessments. “We’re bringing in a robotic device capable of diving to inspect what’s happening beneath our bridges nationwide,” he stated.
Bridge Emergency Declared Nationwide
The minister also declared a national “bridge emergency”, noting the urgent need to evaluate bridges that were built over five decades ago. “We need to know the condition of these structures 53 years after their construction,” he said, emphasizing that the initiative isn’t limited to Lagos alone but extends to the entire country.
President Tinubu to Inaugurate Projects from May
Umahi revealed that several infrastructure projects will be inaugurated starting May 1, 2025, with more to follow in December, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He assured Nigerians that both new and inherited projects are receiving focused attention, saying, “We are building for the future.”
No More Dredging Near Bridges
Umahi disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has issued a ban on dredging activities within 10 kilometers of any bridge.
This decision comes after alarming reports of illegal dredging near the Third Mainland Bridge, which contractors like Julius Berger warned could lead to its collapse.
“All the piles supporting Lagos bridges are held by sand. If the sand is removed through dredging, these piles could dangle, putting the bridges at serious risk,” he explained.
Navy Collaboration to Enforce Waterway Safety
To enforce the new safety measures, Umahi called for collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to patrol waterways and stop unauthorized sand mining near bridges.
For more updates on national infrastructure and development news, stay tuned to NIGPOST — your trusted source for real-time information that matters.
Leave a Reply