By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to carry out a comprehensive technical audit of Otedola Bridge within 30 days, focusing on its gradient, descent, and structural integrity. The audit is expected to recommend modifications such as gradient reduction, reinforced safety barriers, and emergency escape lanes, all to be implemented within 12 months.
In an urgent bid to enhance road safety, the House also instructed the Ministry to approve emergency funds for immediate repairs on damaged sections of the bridge within 90 days while a full redesign is underway.
The House further directed the mandatory establishment of weighbridges and vehicle inspection stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway within 60 days, ensuring that all tankers meet legal weight limits and braking standards. Defaulters will face vehicle impoundment and prosecution. Additionally, a biannual digital certification system for fuel tankers is to be introduced within six months to eliminate mechanically unsafe vehicles from Nigerian roads.
To curb tanker-related accidents, the House imposed an immediate restriction on fuel tanker movement across Otedola Bridge from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m, with strict enforcement by the Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). Special movement hours will be designated under close monitoring.
Safety enhancements such as speed cameras, rumble strips, and improved signage will be installed within 90 days to alert drivers about the steep descent and enforce compliance.
In a long-term effort to improve safety standards, the Federal Ministry of Transportation has been directed to develop a mandatory training and certification program for tanker drivers within six months. This program will focus on handling heavy-duty vehicles on steep gradients and emergency response procedures.
Additionally, a joint task force comprising the FRSC, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State emergency agencies, and transport unions has been mandated to conduct a full investigation into the March 11, 2025, tanker explosion and previous incidents on Otedola Bridge.
The findings must be submitted within 21 days, ensuring that all responsible parties—whether drivers, transport owners, or regulators face legal consequences.
These measures come in response to growing concerns over frequent accidents on Otedola Bridge, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property.
These resolutions to the adoption of a matter of urgent public importance on the “URGENT NEED TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF FREQUENT ACCIDENTS ON OTEDOLA BRIDGE, LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESSWAY”, by Rep. Sese Winghan member representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State on Tuesday at plenary.
In hos lead debate, he said: “On March 11, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., a petrol tanker overturned and exploded on Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, resulting in a devastating inferno that destroyed vehicles, properties, and caused severe traffic disruptions on this critical transport corridor, with the full extent of casualties and losses yet to be determined.
“This tragedy is the latest in a series of fatal accidents on Otedola Bridge, including:
– June 28, 2018: A tanker fire killed at least 12 people and incinerated over 50 vehicles.
– November 2019, October 2020, March 2021: Multiple incidents of tanker crashes and explosions have established Otedola Bridge as a recurring danger zone for motorists and commuters.
“Investigations and expert analyses have identified multiple causes of these frequent accidents, including:
Engineering Defects: The steep gradient and sharp descent of Otedola Bridge places excessive strain on the braking systems of heavy-duty vehicles, increasing the risk of brake failure and loss of control.
Mechanical Failures: Recurrent incidents of brake malfunctions, burst tires, and vehicle overloading—as witnessed in the 2018 and 2019 tanker disasters—are linked to poor vehicle maintenance and regulatory failures.
Human Error: Reckless driving, excessive speeding, and inadequate training of tanker operators further exacerbate the risks posed by the bridge’s challenging terrain.
Systemic Neglect: Weak enforcement of vehicle safety regulations, failure to restrict tanker movements despite previous policy commitments, and lack of necessary infrastructure upgrades have allowed these preventable disasters to persist.
“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other relevant agencies, bears a constitutional duty to ensure the safety of road users, yet Otedola Bridge remains an example of infrastructural and regulatory failure.
“The economic losses, fatalities, and psychological trauma caused by these recurring accidents demand urgent intervention to prevent further disasters”, the motion reads.