The Federal Government has issued a 30-day ultimatum for the completion of emergency repairs on the Keffi flyover in Nasarawa State, following severe damage caused by a truck accident that claimed two lives and left two others injured.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the site on Sunday, July 20, 2025. According to Umahi, the incident occurred on Thursday, July 17, 2025, when a trailer transporting an excavator rammed into the flyover, dislodging one of its beams and severely damaging two others.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, Umahi confirmed that the Federal Government was treating the situation as a national emergency.
Preliminary assessments revealed that:
One beam completely collapsed, damaging the pedestrian walkway and parapet.
Two other beams, though intact, sustained visible cracks and structural stress.
A section of the flyover has been closed to traffic to prevent further accidents, although the underpass remains accessible.
The Permanent Secretary, Olufunso Adebiyi, and top engineers from the Ministry conducted an initial assessment before directing emergency closure of the affected portion.
Umahi stated that CGC Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling key federal road projects in the Federal Capital Territory, had been directed to commence immediate redesigning and moulding of a replacement beam.
“The repair process will take approximately 30 days, after which a structural integrity test will be conducted before reinstallation. The Federal Government is sourcing funds through an intervention window while awaiting full releases,” Umahi explained.
He added that President Bola Tinubu had been briefed and had directed that remedial work be carried out immediately to restore the flyover, which serves as a critical transport corridor linking the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and the North-Central region.
The Works Minister extended his condolences to the families of the victims, assuring them that the government would prioritize safety and prevent similar occurrences.
“This tragic incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of load regulations on Nigerian roads. We are committed to ensuring such accidents do not reoccur,” he stated.
Officials accompanying the minister during the inspection included Deputy Director of Design and Bridges, Musa Seidu, and Federal Controller of Works in the FCT, Yakubu Usman.
The Keffi flyover is a strategic route for the movement of goods and commuters between Abuja and neighbouring northern states. Analysts warn that prolonged delays in repair could disrupt transportation, increase traffic congestion, and negatively affect economic activities in the region.
However, the Works Ministry assured road users that alternative routes remain open and that the contractor is working round-the-clock to meet the set deadline.