President Tinubu Orders Immediate Repairs on Major Roads and Bridges Nationwide

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

In a decisive move to bolster Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued directives for the immediate repair of all major roads and bridges across the country. The announcement, made on Saturday, August 9, 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of motorists and commuters while strengthening critical infrastructure.

According to a statement from the Federal Government, the nationwide initiative is designed to prevent the collapse of vital road networks, improve traffic flow, and stimulate economic activities by enhancing connectivity between states and regions.

Key Projects Under Repair

The directive highlights several strategically important projects, including:

• Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos – Nigeria’s longest bridge and a critical artery connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.

• Lagos-Badagry Expressway – A major route facilitating trade and transit along the Lagos-Benin corridor.

• Kano-Maiduguri Highway – A crucial northern route linking key commercial and agricultural hubs.

• Kebbe Bridge, Sokoto – A vital infrastructure connecting northern communities.

• Enugu-Onitsha Expressway – An essential route in southeastern Nigeria, supporting both commuters and freight transport.

• Benin-Asaba Road – A major corridor in the South-South region, facilitating inter-state travel and trade.

The government emphasized that these projects form part of a broader national infrastructure strategy, aimed at enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s road networks and supporting long-term economic growth.

Infrastructure and Economic Growth

Infrastructure development has long been recognized as a cornerstone of national economic stability and growth. Poorly maintained roads and bridges not only slow down commerce but also contribute to accidents, vehicle damage, and economic losses. By initiating urgent repairs, the Tinubu administration seeks to protect road infrastructure from further deterioration, reduce travel hazards, and ensure smoother movement of goods and people.

Officials note that these repairs are aligned with the government’s #RenewedHopeAgenda, which focuses on creating sustainable infrastructure, improving public safety, and fostering economic opportunities across Nigeria. The initiative is expected to have a multiplier effect, boosting construction, transport, and commerce-related sectors.

Third Mainland Bridge: A Case in Point

The Third Mainland Bridge, one of Lagos’s most important transport arteries, has faced structural challenges in recent years due to heavy traffic and age-related wear. Tinubu’s directive ensures that urgent repair works will address weak sections, strengthen safety measures, and prevent disruptions that could paralyze Lagos’s daily economy.

Similarly, the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a crucial route for trade with neighboring countries like Benin Republic, will undergo repairs to ease congestion, improve safety, and support cross-border commerce.

Ensuring Safety for Commuters

One of the central goals of the directive is to protect the lives of road users. Unsafe roads and dilapidated bridges are major contributors to traffic accidents, particularly in high-traffic corridors. By addressing structural weaknesses proactively, the government aims to reduce accident rates and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s road networks.

Transport and safety experts have applauded the move, noting that preventive maintenance is far more cost-effective than large-scale reconstruction after infrastructure collapse. The focus on emergency repairs reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and economic assets.

Nationwide Impact

Beyond Lagos and northern corridors, the directive covers critical arteries in the southeast and south-south regions, including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Road. These projects are vital for interstate commerce, agricultural distribution, and industrial transport, ensuring that goods reach markets efficiently and safely.

By tackling multiple infrastructure challenges simultaneously, the government hopes to create a seamless transport network, which is essential for accelerating trade, attracting investment, and reducing logistical bottlenecks.

Strategic Significance of the #RenewedHopeAgenda

The emergency repair initiative is a core component of the #RenewedHopeAgenda, which emphasizes infrastructure development as a tool for economic empowerment and national growth. Through projects like these, the government aims to:

• Enhance road and bridge safety for commuters and commercial transporters.

• Reduce travel time and costs, improving the efficiency of trade and logistics.

• Stimulate job creation in the construction, engineering, and maintenance sectors.

• Promote regional connectivity, linking economic hubs across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

By taking swift action, President Tinubu is sending a strong signal that infrastructure resilience is a top national priority, ensuring that Nigeria’s transport system meets modern standards and supports long-term development.

President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the immediate repair of major roads and bridges nationwide represents a decisive effort to safeguard infrastructure, protect citizens, and stimulate economic activity. From the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to critical highways in the north, southeast, and south-south regions, the initiative underscores a commitment to modern, safe, and resilient transport networks.

As these projects unfold, Nigerians can expect improved safety, smoother commutes, and enhanced connectivity, reinforcing the government’s promise to deliver tangible results under the #RenewedHopeAgenda. With infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, this ambitious repair program has the potential to transform transport across Nigeria, benefiting millions of commuters, traders, and businesses nationwide.