FG begins reconstruction of collapsed Keffi flyover, says victims’ families compensated

The federal government has begun reconstruction of the Keffi flyover in Nasarawa state, which collapsed earlier this month and claimed three lives.

Dave Umahi, minister of works, disclosed this on Monday while addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

Describing the incident as “very unfortunate”, Umahi said the families of the victims had been settled and would not be pressing charges.

“We lost three lives there. We have settled with the families, who are not pressing charges. Reconstruction has started,” he said.

He explained that structural investigations prompted the partial closure of the bridge to prevent further danger, adding that one carriageway remains closed to allow urgent repairs.

The flyover, which serves as a major link between the Federal Capital Territory and parts of the north-central region, collapsed on July 4, raising concerns over infrastructure safety across the country.

Umahi said the intervention is part of a wider effort by the Tinubu administration to safeguard the integrity of roads and bridges nationwide. He also called on Nigerians to support ongoing inspections and monitoring activities.

At the same FEC meeting, the council approved funding and upgrades for critical road and bridge projects across the country, in line with the administration’s infrastructure transformation agenda.

The minister said 360 road rehabilitation projects were completed in 2023, with inspections currently ongoing in all six geopolitical zones.

He also announced that engineering chambers in the states would now participate in tracking federal projects to enhance transparency and promote collaboration.