The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed the removal of speed bumps on federal highways across Nigeria, aiming to improve traffic flow and reduce road congestion.
Umahi announced this directive during a two-day retreat for Federal Ministry of Works Highway Engineers and Managerial Staff in Abuja. Themed “Ensuring Delivery of Mr President’s Agenda on Road Infrastructural Development,” the event highlighted key strategies for improving road infrastructure.
Explaining the rationale, Umahi noted that many speed bumps had been installed arbitrarily, leading to accidents and prolonged travel times.
“I travelled on one of the federal roads, and what should have been a one-hour journey turned into three hours because of speed bumps every 20 meters,” he said. “While speed bumps are necessary in specific locations, they must adhere to approved technical designs and standards.”
The minister revealed that the National Assembly had instructed the removal of improperly installed speed bumps, citing their contribution to accidents and damage to vehicles.
“Some speed bumps are so high that they damage the underside of vehicles, which defeats their purpose,” he added. “We want these removed, but future installations must meet technical compliance and receive proper approvals.”
Umahi emphasized that any new speed bumps must be positioned with clear warning signs at a safe distance of no less than 100 meters, ensuring drivers are adequately alerted.
Addressing the broader infrastructure agenda, Umahi highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to massive road development to boost the economy and improve citizens’ quality of life.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, lauded the president’s efforts, encouraging participants to embrace modern technologies and innovations to improve road infrastructure.
“Without proper road infrastructure, economic growth and prosperity cannot be achieved,” Goronyo stated.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufunso Adebiyi, presented data from the Federal Road Safety Corps, revealing that less than 10% of accidents were caused by poor road conditions. Most were linked to reckless driving, drunk driving, and other human errors.
Adebiyi urged engineers to enhance supervision and efficiency in road construction projects, pledging the ministry’s support in building their capacity to achieve the administration’s goals.
The chairpersons of the Senate and House Committees on Works reaffirmed their dedication to supporting the ministry in delivering on its mandate.
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