Ogun: Oju-Ore Bridge safe, passed integrity tests – FG dismisses social media claims

The Federal Ministry of Works has dismissed claims of structural failure on the Oju-Ore Bridge in Ota, Ogun State, saying the bridge is safe and structurally sound.

The ministry said the bridge has passed all required integrity tests and is being built in line with approved engineering standards.

The assurance followed an inspection of the project by a delegation led by the Director of Bridges, Highways and Road Designs, Engr Musa Saidu, on the directive of the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi.

The inspection was prompted by videos and posts on social media alleging defects on the bridge.

Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Saidu said the assessment showed compliance with engineering standards, describing the failure claims as unsubstantiated.

He warned against judging the integrity of major infrastructure from social media photos and videos, stressing that such conclusions must be based on scientific tests.

“The bridge has undergone integrity tests and passed. It is structurally stable. Engineering decisions are based on scientific tests, not assumptions,” he said.

Saidu said the ministry would not compromise quality on federal projects, adding that while the quality of work by the contractor, Laralek Construction Company, is satisfactory, minor finishing issues observed would be corrected before completion.

“The structural stability of the bridge is guaranteed. Heavy trucks are already moving across it, even though construction has not been fully completed,” he said.

He urged the public to desist from spreading unverified information capable of eroding confidence in public infrastructure and warned traders against operating under the bridge while work is ongoing.

On his part, a representative of Laralek Construction Company, Tope Ojo, said major components including spans, bearings, beams and piers were executed according to approved designs, with some exceeding minimum requirements.

“There is absolutely no cause for alarm. Every integrity test required for the bridge has been conducted, and all results confirmed compliance with engineering standards,” Ojo said.

A member of the Oju-Ore Stakeholders Council, Akomolafe Zubair, welcomed the ministry’s clarification, saying it would restore public confidence and urged residents and motorists to be patient as the project is completed.