FG to Enforce Load, Clearance Limits on Bridges Nationwide

The Federal Government has announced plans to begin the strict enforcement of vehicle weight and clearance height limits on bridges across Nigeria, in a move aimed at preserving the structural integrity of the country’s ageing infrastructure and enhancing road safety.

The policy comes in response to rising concerns over frequent damage to bridges caused by overloaded and over-height vehicles, with recent incidents raising alarms within the Ministry of Works.

According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works, the enforcement drive was triggered by a recent inspection of the Keffi Flyover, where it was discovered that a container-laden trailer had struck the bridge, damaging parts of its structure.

The trailer, which exceeded the allowed clearance height, underscored the growing risk posed by non-compliant vehicles traversing Nigeria’s roadways.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, expressed deep concern over the trend, stating that most flyovers and interchanges in the country were designed with a minimum clearance height ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 metres. He warned that any breach of these specifications could result in long-term structural compromise, massive repair costs, or catastrophic collapse. Umahi also revealed that at least seven bridges along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had already suffered varying degrees of structural damage due to similar incidents involving oversized vehicles.

As part of the new enforcement strategy, the government will deploy monitoring and enforcement teams nationwide. These teams, working in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant agencies, will monitor vehicle configurations, enforce axle load standards, and ensure that all vehicles using federal roads and bridges adhere to design limits.

The ministry said that weighbridge stations and clearance gauges will become key tools in tracking compliance going forward.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, described the initiative as urgent and necessary, stressing that maintaining bridge infrastructure requires collective responsibility.

He appealed to road users, particularly logistics companies and heavy-duty truck operators, to respect the engineering limits of national assets. Adebiyi warned that any vehicle found violating these standards could face stiff penalties, including fines, impoundment, and possible prosecution.

The announcement aligns with ongoing efforts by the Federal Road Safety Corps to address the broader issue of overloading on Nigerian roads. Earlier in 2025, the FRSC reported the impoundment of over 5,000 overloaded vehicles across the country and vowed to intensify crackdowns in all its operational zones.

Industry experts have praised the move, describing it as long overdue. However, they have also called for the reactivation and expansion of weighbridge stations nationwide to ensure the initiative is sustainable. Civil engineers and transport analysts argue that without the infrastructure to monitor compliance effectively, the policy may struggle to achieve its objectives.

As the government prepares to implement the enforcement phase, transport unions and logistics stakeholders are being urged to educate their members and adjust operational practices to align with national bridge safety standards.

The Ministry of Works has promised continued engagement with the private sector to ensure smooth rollout and compliance with the new regulations.