The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has mandated the removal of speed bumps across the nation’s highways to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion on major roads.
Umahi disclosed this directive during a two-day Retreat for Federal Ministry of Works Highway Engineers and Managerial Staff, held yesterday in Abuja.
The retreat, themed “Ensuring Delivery of Mr. President’s Agenda on Road Infrastructural Development”, was organized to align the ministry’s workforce with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed infrastructure development agenda.
Speed Bumps Causing Accidents and Delays
Explaining the rationale behind the order, Umahi criticized the poorly constructed speed bumps found on many federal roads.
“I came through one of the federal routes and for a journey that is supposed to last like one hour within that stretch, it lasted like three hours because every 20 metres you will see a bump,” he said.
While Umahi acknowledged that speed bumps are necessary in certain areas, he emphasized the importance of adhering to approved technical designs and allowable locations.
“There is an approved technical design for bumps,” he stated. “The National Assembly has directed that these speed bumps should be dismantled.”
The minister expressed concern over the dangers posed by improperly constructed speed bumps.
“Some speed bumps are high, touching the bottom plates of vehicles; that is not desirable. It defeats the aim. So, this is what we are saying, and that is what the National Assembly is saying,” he said.
Moving forward, Umahi announced that new speed bumps would require approvals from the Permanent Secretary and the Minister of Works after meeting strict technical standards. He added that future installations must include a safe side distance of no less than 100 metres, along with clear warnings for motorists.
President Tinubu’s Infrastructure Agenda
Umahi highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to massive infrastructure development as a critical driver of economic growth and improved living standards.
“The retreat aims to educate participants to properly understand the president’s renewed hope agenda with specific reference to road infrastructure development,” he said.
Stakeholders Commend Infrastructure Efforts
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, praised President Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda, noting its positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.
“Without road infrastructure, there cannot be economic growth, and there cannot be prosperity,” Goronyo emphasized.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufunso Adebiyi, shared data from the Federal Road Safety Corps, which revealed that less than 10% of road accidents were caused by bad roads. Instead, issues such as reckless driving and poor adherence to road instructions were the primary causes.
“It may surprise you that the percentage of accidents caused by bad roads is less than 10%,” Adebiyi said, urging engineers to address inefficiencies and improve supervision of road projects.
The retreat also saw commitments from the Senate and House Committees on Works to support the ministry’s efforts in delivering high-quality road infrastructure across the country.he ministry to deliver on its mandate.