Thursday, 11th December; 2025 – The House of Representatives has urgently called upon the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to undertake a full structural assessment and comprehensive rehabilitation of the dilapidated Ibere River Bridge in Emuren Town, Sagamu Local Government Area, Ogun State.
The resolution, sponsored by the Honourable Adesola Ayoola–Elegbeji, highlights the critical role the Ibere River Bridge plays in connecting Emuren and surrounding communities to Sagamu, facilitating the essential movement of people, goods, and services.
Superficial Fixes Fail to Address Structural Integrity
The House noted with concern that while the bridge was previously included in a Federal Road Maintenance Contract by FERMA, the intervention was limited to a superficial overlay of coal tar on the surface.
“The previous intervention failed to address the underlying structural weaknesses of the bridge,” the resolution states.
Despite the purported rehabilitation, the bridge remains in a severely compromised state, exhibiting:
Evident cracks on the deck.
Worn-out and sinking sections.
Corroded reinforcements.
No substantial work done to strengthen the foundation, piers, or side railings.
Imminent Threat to Road Users
The continued use of the structurally compromised bridge poses an imminent threat to the lives of road users, a danger exacerbated during the rainy season when river overflow accelerates erosion and further undermines the bridge supports.
The House, recognizing the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to ensure that critical infrastructure like bridges in high-traffic localities are safe, durable, and properly constructed, has taken decisive action.
House Mandate and Resolution
The House has resolved to:
Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to urgently undertake a full structural assessment and comprehensive rehabilitation of the Ibere River Bridge in Emuren Town, Sagamu Local Government Area, Ogun State.
Mandate the House Committees on Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to visit the site and ascertain the current state of the bridge. The Committees are also tasked with engaging with FERMA and the supervising Ministry to review the scope of the earlier intervention.
The Committees’ visit is scheduled to commence immediately to collate necessary information and ensure a timely and effective response to this critical infrastructure deficit.
