Tanker Parking Threatens ₦230bn Aleto Bridge Project, Umahi Warns

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi has issued a stern warning that indiscriminate parking of fuel tankers on newly completed highways could undermine billions of naira invested in critical infrastructure, as he raised concerns over activities capable of damaging the ₦230 billion Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State.

Speaking during an inspection of the project on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the Minister according to a press release e-signed by his   Senior Special Assistant on (Media), Francis Nwaze  expressed dismay over the misuse of completed sections of the road by tanker drivers.

“Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked… not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers, they parked on the road,” he lamented.

Umahi warned that such actions could severely damage the integrity of the road, stressing that no engineering design accommodates prolonged static pressure from heavy vehicles.

“No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads, they will destroy the road,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of investment on the project—valued at over ₦230 billion, with ₦156 billion for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two—the Minister questioned the rationale behind allowing such infrastructure to deteriorate due to negligence.

“Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?” he queried.

Despite his concerns, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work by the contractor, RCC, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the project through strategic intervention.

“I want to thank RCC very highly and commend Mr President for his heart of love toward the Niger Delta,” he stated.

He revealed that although funding from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ceased in August 2025, the President swiftly approved an alternative funding arrangement to ensure continuity.

“We are not owing RCC on this project… it is a very, very highly skilled and technical project and I’m very happy with the quality of work,” Umahi added.

Describing the Aleto Bridge as a landmark engineering project, the Minister noted that it incorporates modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, environmental landscaping, and reinforced structural features designed for durability.

In a major boost to human capital development, Umahi announced plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project under a mentorship programme initiated by President Tinubu.

“We are making efforts on President Tinubu mentorship programme where young engineers will come and study what we’re doing here. They are our future leaders and it is a technical project to behold,” he said.

Providing updates on project timelines, the Minister disclosed that one carriageway is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, while the first phase is slated for completion by August 2026.

“They have promised me that before May 25th that one carriageway of this very innovative construction will be completed and before August the first phase of this project would have been totally completed,” he explained.

He further expressed optimism that the second phase—featuring multiple flyovers and bridges—would be delivered within the year.

Umahi also highlighted the strategic redesign of the project from asphalt to concrete pavement, a decision directed by the President to enhance durability.

“We inherited this project from zero ground. It was the President that directed that we should redesign using concrete and then you can see the result,” he said.

The Minister concluded with a call to action for Nigerians, especially road users and transport operators, to take ownership of public infrastructure.

“Let us protect our own. The minister cannot be here and everywhere. The road is being done and it’s been perfectly done but we have a duty to protect it,” he urged.