*The Federal Government of Nigeria activates a state-of-the-art road surveillance facility to monitor the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge and surrounding areas, as a high-end security measures for deployment to other major highways across the country

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

In a bid to ensure the deployment of high-tech security measures on other major highways, the Federal Government has established a state-of-the-art surveillance room to monitor the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge and surrounding areas.

绿帽献妻 reports H.E. (Senator) Dave Umahi, Honourable Minister for Works, disclosed this development Thursday, October 31, 2024, in Lagos.

Umahi stated this, when he and the Principal members of the National Assembly (NASS) were on an on-site assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects in the South-West region, including the Third Mainland Bridge.

The Minister said the control room of the modern road security equipment would be staffed by security personnel from the Army, Navy, Police, and local security forces.

According to Umahi, a dedicated boat and vehicles had been assigned to the facility, allowing for a swift response time of five minutes to any incident.

Earlier, the Ministry for Works officially had launched the commencement of work on the Ondo section of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, agency report also said.

Besides Lagos Third Mainland Bridge, the Minister revealed that similar high-tech security measures would be implemented on other major highways, including the Lagos-Calabar, Sokoto-Badagry, Trans-Sahara, Abuja-Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Keffi-Makurdi, Lagos-Ibadan, and Abuja-Kano roads in the West African country.

The Minister equally announced plans to install solar lighting on all major roads to improve visibility at night and boost economic activity in Nigeria.

The first section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which is nearing completion, would be concessioned for operation and maintenance, he stated.

Speaking during the on-site inspection also, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, lauded the Minister鈥檚 initiative to establish a CCTV control room to monitor the Third Mainland Bridge and its environs in Lagos.

Nwebonyi observed the new-fangled initiative demonstrates Nigeria鈥檚 commitment to progress and development in public infrastructure.

In regard to the benefits of the new security measures, the Senate Deputy Chief Whip said the CCTV system would enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians by deterring criminal activities and preventing vandalism of critical infrastructure such as handrails and street lights.

He urged all road users to adhere to traffic laws and regulations, to contribute to the overall safety and well-being of Nigerians.

In his remarks during the inspection, Senator Osita Ngwu, Senate Minority Whip, also commended the government鈥檚 infrastructure efforts, specifically highlighting the recent flag-off of the coastal road section in Ondo.

The Federal lawmaker applauded the Nigerian Government鈥檚 focus on not only building infrastructure but also ensuring its safety and maintenance.

Ngwu commended Umahi, Minister for Works, for his experience and commitment to infrastructure development.

He stressed the Senate鈥檚 support for the Minister鈥檚 initiatives and provision of necessary legislative backing.

The Senate Minority Whip, also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 support for the Minister鈥檚 initiatives.

Senator Mpigi Barinada, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, as well commended the government鈥檚 infrastructure efforts, calling for equity.

Barinada emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects.

The legislator remarked that the CCTV control room is a significant step towards this.

He, therefore, called for the replication of these innovative approaches in the South-East and South-South regions of the country to ensure equitable development of Nigeria.

Barinada further highlighted the strong collaboration between the Senate and the Ministry of Works to ensure effective oversight and budgetary allocation.

Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, lauded the Minister of Works, and pledged the support of the parliamentary oversight.

Alabi highlighted the role of the National Assembly in overseeing government spending, particularly regarding the 2024 budget.

He commended the Minister for his efforts at addressing infrastructure challenges and improving project execution.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Works as well acknowledged the minister鈥檚 assertive approach in dealing with contractors, ensuring that government interests are prioritised.

Alabi assured that, while supporting the minister鈥檚 initiatives, the House Committee on Works would maintain its oversight role to ensure accountability and transparency.

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