Thursday, 11th December; 2025 – The House of Representatives has expressed grave concern and alarm over the perilous state of the Ovia Bridge on the crucial Benin-Ore-Lagos expressway, a vital link connecting the South-South and South-West regions of Nigeria. Following a motion sponsored by Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, the House made significant resolutions to compel immediate rehabilitation work.
Crisis at Ovia Bridge
The House noted the severe deterioration of the Ovia Bridge, emphasizing its strategic economic and social importance for the movement of people, goods, and services. The current structural damage, erosion, and complete lack of maintenance pose a serious threat to all commuters.
The situation has reached a critical point, with the House being alarmed by recent tragic incidents, including a tanker explosion and multiple vehicular accidents that have resulted in an increasing loss of lives in recent weeks. The House warned of the imminent danger of a total collapse if remedial work is not swiftly undertaken.
Appropriation and Delay Concerns
Despite the clear and present danger, the House was disturbed to note that even though funds for the repair and rehabilitation of the Ovia Bridge were duly captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act, no tangible work has commenced on the site. This significant delay in implementation has raised serious concerns about the responsible Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Resolutions for Urgent Implementation
In response to this crisis, the House of Representatives resolved the following:
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the citizens who have tragically lost their lives due to the current state of the bridge.
Urge the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA (Federal Roads Maintenance Agency) to immediately mobilize contractors to the site and commence the long-overdue rehabilitation of the Ovia Bridge as stipulated in the 2024 Appropriations Act.
Also urge the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize the safety of road users by ensuring the prompt release of necessary funds and the full execution of the Ovia Bridge rehabilitation project.
Mandate the Committees on Appropriations and Works to invite the relevant MDAs to provide an explanation for the delay in implementation and to ensure urgent action is taken.
Also mandate the Committee on Works to conduct an immediate oversight visit to the Ovia Bridge and submit a comprehensive report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
The House remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens and will rigorously follow up on these resolutions to prevent further loss of life and a catastrophic economic disruption from the potential collapse of this vital infrastructure.
