The Federal Government has established a state-of-the-art observation room to monitor the Third Mainland Bridge and its surrounding areas. The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, disclosed this when he led members of the National Assembly on an on-site assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects in the southwest region, including the Third Mainland Bridge, on Thursday in Lagos.
Umahi stated that the observation room would be manned by security personnel from the Army, Navy, Police, and local security forces. A dedicated boat and vehicles have been assigned to ensure a swift response time of five minutes to any incident.
The minister revealed that this innovative security measure would also be implemented on other major highways, including the Lagos-Calabar, Sokoto-Badagry, Trans-Sahara, Abuja-Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Keffi-Makurdi, Lagos-Ibadan, and Abuja-Kano roads. Furthermore, he announced plans to install solar lighting on all major roads to improve nighttime visibility and enhance economic activity.
Umahi noted that the first section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is nearing completion and will be concessioned for operation and maintenance.
Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Peter Nwebonyi, commended the initiative to establish a CCTV control room for monitoring the Third Mainland Bridge and its surroundings, asserting that it demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to progress and development. He emphasized that the CCTV system would enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians by deterring criminal activities and preventing vandalism of critical infrastructure such as handrails and streetlights.
Minority Whip of the Senate, Sen. Osita Ngwu, praised the government’s infrastructure efforts, particularly the recent flag-off of the coastal road section in Ondo, highlighting the importance of safety and maintenance in infrastructure development. He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to supporting the minister’s initiatives.
Senator Mpigi Barinada, representing Rivers South East, also commended the infrastructure efforts and called for transparency and accountability, noting that the CCTV control room is a significant step in this direction. He urged for similar innovative approaches in the South-East and South-South regions to ensure equitable development.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, acknowledged the minister’s assertive approach in addressing infrastructure challenges and promised parliamentary oversight to ensure accountability and transparency in government spending, especially regarding the 2024 appropriation.
Earlier, the Ministry of Works officially flagged off the commencement of work on the Ondo section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
