The Nigerian Ministry of Works has set plans in motion to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers state through a mentorship programme championed by President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi stated this during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project, Rivers State, in the Niger-delta region of the nation.
Mr. Umahi explained that the mentorship programme for young engineers is in line with the Nigerian Government’s commitment to human capital development.
“We are making efforts on President Tinubu mentorship programme where young engineers will come and study what we’re doing here. They are our future leaders and it is a technical project to behold.”
He further raised concerns over the practice of parking fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads.
According to the Minister, such actions pose direct threat to the durability and lifespan of the roads adding that no road infrastructure is designed to withstand prolonged static loading from heavy vehicles.
“Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked, not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers, they parked on the road.
“No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads, they will destroy the road.”
With the total project cost exceeding ₦230 billion ₦156 billion for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two the Minister stressed that such investments must be protected.
The Minister commended the contractors, RCC for the fast pace and quality of the work and also commended the Nigerian President for approving funding for the work.
The Minister described the Aleto Bridge Project as a landmark engineering effort, incorporating modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, environmental landscaping, and reinforced structural features.
Shedding more light on timelines of completion of the project, Mr. Umahi said that one carriageway of the project is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, with the first phase projected for full completion by August 2026.
He further expressed confidence that the second phase, which includes multiple flyovers and bridges, will be delivered within the year.
The Minister also highlighted the strategic redesign of the project from asphalt to concrete pavement, a decision directed by the President to ensure long-term durability.