The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered immediate intervention on the damaged Keffi flyover following an on-the-spot inspection on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

The damage was caused by a heavy-duty truck carrying an excavator that struck the structure, dislodging one beam completely and damaging two others.

This followed the Minister’s on-site inspection of the damaged Keffi flyover in Nasarawa State following a collision involving a truck carrying an excavator.

During the inspection on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Umahi was accompanied by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed; Deputy Director of Design and Bridges, Engr. Musa Seidu, Federal Controller of Works for the FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman, as well as other senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Works.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, speaking at the site, the Minister said, “This is a very unfortunate situation. A truck carrying an excavator hit this flyover and completely dislodged one of the beams. Two others were affected but remain structurally intact.”

He disclosed that immediately after the incident occurred on Thursday, July 17, he directed the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, to lead a team of engineers to conduct a preliminary assessment.

“They visited the site the same day and confirmed visible cracks and structural stress on the bridge due to the impact,” he stated.

Based on their findings, the Minister ordered the immediate closure of the affected carriageway to ensure public safety and prevent further damage.

“We had to close the overpass section of the bridge. The underpass is now clear, but we are not taking chances with the overpass until we have done a full rehabilitation,” Umahi said.

He noted that the damaged beam also destroyed part of the walkway and the parapet. “While one beam collapsed entirely, the engineers have confirmed that the other two, though affected, still retain their integrity,” he said.

To fast-track repairs, the Ministry has requested the services of CGC Nigeria Limited, a construction company currently engaged in Federal Capital Territory projects. “We have asked CGC to immediately begin the redesign and moulding of a new replacement beam,” the Minister explained. “They will also work to salvage and reinforce the two partially damaged beams.”

According to him, the rehabilitation process is expected to take around 30 days. “The casting, curing, and load testing of the new beam will be completed within a month. After that, we will reinstall it.

“Only when we are satisfied with the structural integrity of the entire flyover will we reopen it to traffic.”

On the funding mechanism, Umahi said, “These emergency repairs will be covered through an intervention window while we await budgetary releases.”

He also confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware of the incident and has given the directive for swift remedial action. “Mr. President has been fully briefed and has asked us to take immediate steps to restore the facility,” he noted.

The Minister extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and offered prayers for the injured. “We sympathise with the victims and their families. It is truly regrettable,” he said.

Umahi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the Keffi flyover is restored safely and efficiently. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our contractors to ensure a quick and safe reconstruction,” he said.

He also assured the public that the Ministry is prioritising quality and safety in the repair process. (The Nation)

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