Minister of Works David Umahi has directed the removal of haphazardly constructed speed bumps on highways nationwide. The decision was announced during a two-day retreat for the Federal Ministry of Works Highway Engineers and Managerial Staff in Abuja, focused on delivering President Bola Tinubu’s road infrastructure development agenda.
Umahi criticized the current state of speed bumps, describing them as poorly designed and hazardous to motorists. “Some of these bumps are so high they damage vehicles and cause accidents. This is unacceptable,” he stated. He emphasised that speed bumps should only be installed following technical approval, with proper warning signs and safe distances, to ensure they serve their intended purpose.
The minister revealed that the National Assembly has endorsed the directive, citing concerns over the role of these bumps in elongating travel times and contributing to road fatalities. He further announced that all new speed bumps would require approval through the permanent secretary and the minister to ensure compliance with technical standards.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, lauded the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the president’s vision for massive infrastructure development. Goronyo urged participants to adopt modern technologies to improve road infrastructure, emphasising the critical role of roads in driving economic growth and prosperity.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufunso Adebiyi, supported the directive, citing Federal Road Safety Corps data that attributes less than 10% of accidents to bad roads, with the majority caused by reckless driving and poor traffic management. He called on engineers to address inefficiencies and ensure quality supervision of road works.
The retreat also received the backing of the Senate and House Committees on Works, who pledged to support the ministry in delivering on its mandate. The initiative marks a significant step in improving road infrastructure and enhancing safety across Nigeria’s highways.
