Minister orders removal of speed bumps on highways

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the removal of speed bumps on highways across Nigeria to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on roads.

Umahi made this known at a two-day retreat for Federal Ministry of Works Highway Engineers and Managerial Staff in Abuja on Friday, January 17, 2025.

The minister said the order to dismantle the speed bumps was necessary because some were haphazardly done causing accidents and elongating travel time.

He said: “I came through one of the federal routes and for a journey that is supposed to last like one hour within that stretch, it lasted like three hours because every 20 metres you will see a bump.

“Although there is nothing wrong with speed bumps in certain designated locations. But there is an approved technical design for bumps.

“There are also allowable locations for bumps and that is what we want to do. So the National Assembly has directed that these speed bumps should be dismantled.”

Umahi stated the ministry had noticed some speed bumps were a menace and causing  multiple accidents and deaths.

Umahi to Nigerians: Tinubu not responsible for hardship, blame past govts

The minister added: “Some speed bumps  are high, touching the bottom plates of vehicles; that is not desirable. It defeats the aim.

“So, this is what we are saying; and that is  what the National Assembly is saying. The ministry as well as motorists want them to dismantle it.”

Umahi said subsequently for any speed bump to be constructed, applications would be made to controllers for the locations through the Permanent Secretary and to the minister for approval after meeting technical compliance.

He added that there must also be a safe side distance of not less than 100 metres just as he warned motorists to beware.

Speaking on infrastructure development, Umahi said President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure development was aimed at providing the much needed impetus to stimulate the economy and improve the lives of Nigerians.
He therefore, said the retreat was aimed at educating participants to properly understand the president’s agenda with specific reference to road infrastructure development, among others.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, commended the president’s infrastructure development agenda, saying it was putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

“Without road infrastructure, there cannot be economic growth and there cannot be prosperity,” the minister said.

The Star