The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the removal of speed bumps on federal highways across Nigeria to ease traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Umahi issued the directive during a two-day retreat in Abuja for Highway Engineers and Managerial Staff of the Federal Ministry of Works. He criticized the haphazard construction of many speed bumps, which he said contributes to accidents and travel delays.
“I traveled on a federal route where a one-hour journey took three hours because every 20 metres, there was a bump,” Umahi said. “While speed bumps are necessary in some locations, they must follow approved technical designs. Many of these bumps are a hazard, causing accidents and damaging vehicles.”
The minister disclosed that the National Assembly had instructed the ministry to dismantle improperly constructed speed bumps. He added that all future applications for constructing speed bumps must be submitted through controllers to the Permanent Secretary and approved by the minister after meeting strict technical standards.
“There must be a safe distance of at least 100 metres and warning signs for motorists before any speed bump,” he emphasized.
Umahi reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting its role in stimulating the economy and improving citizens’ lives.
“This retreat is to ensure participants understand the president’s renewed hope agenda, particularly in road infrastructure,” he stated.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, also praised the president’s infrastructure agenda, calling road development pivotal to economic growth and national prosperity. “Road infrastructure is key to economic growth and prosperity,” Goronyo said.
Permanent Secretary Olufunso Adebiyi shared insights from Federal Road Safety Corps data, revealing that reckless and drunk driving, along with disregard for road signs, are the leading causes of accidents in Nigeria.
“Accidents caused by bad roads are less than 10 percent. The inefficiency of engineers and poor supervision of road works also contribute,” Adebiyi stated, urging engineers to enhance their performance.
Lawmakers at the event pledged their support to help the Ministry of Works achieve its road development goals. The retreat, themed *“Ensuring Delivery of Mr. President’s Agenda on Road Infrastructural Development,”* aimed to educate participants on modern technologies and innovative strategies for better road construction and maintenance.
Umahi’s directive to remove poorly constructed speed bumps and improve engineering standards aligns with the government’s broader goal of enhancing Nigeria’s road network for safer and more efficient travel.
