By joshua EDIA–KOTON KARFE BRIDGES REOPENED: ALL HAIL PRESIDENT TINUBU, WORKS MINISTER AND GOVERNOR ODODO
Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway Gets Major Relief as Two Rehabilitated Bridges Return to Service
The Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Federal Projects Implementation, Hon. Emmanuel I. Obasi, has expressed profound joy and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Honourable Minister of Works Sen Engr David Umahi; and the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, following the reopening of the two rehabilitated Edia-Koton Karfe bridges along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway.
The reopening marks a significant milestone in efforts to improve road safety, ease traffic congestion and restore smooth movement along one of the major federal highways connecting the Federal Capital Territory with Kogi State and other parts of the country.
Recall that in August 2025 the two bridges were closed by the Federal Ministry of Works after Kogi State Government raised serious concerns about the structural integrity and the potential risk of collapse of the bridges. In a timely and decisive intervention, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR directed the Federal Ministry of Works (FMOW), to profile them for immediate rehabilitation. Shortly, the rehabilitation contract was awarded to Trucrete Solutions Ltd to address the situation and safeguard road users.
Following the completion of the rehabilitation works, the two bridges have now been reopened to traffic, bringing much-needed relief to motorists who had endured significant traffic congestion, frustrations and delays during the period of rehabilitation.
Speaking on the development, Hon. Obasi described the reopening as a welcome demonstration of responsive leadership, effective infrastructure management and constructive collaboration between the Federal Government and the Kogi State Government.
He said:
“I am filled with immense joy and profound gratitude over the reopening of the two Edia-Koton Karfe bridges. This is a major relief for motorists, commuters, transport operators and all Nigerians who depend on the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway for their daily movement and economic activities.
“My deepest appreciation goes to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national infrastructure development; the Honourable Minister of Works Sen Engr David Nweze Umahi for the prompt intervention that saved these critical bridges from further deterioration and ensured their rehabilitation; and most importantly, the indefatigable Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, for his sustained engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works and other Federal MDAs to ensure that projects in Kogi State are not merely awarded but completed and promptly put to effective use.”
The Special Adviser also commended Trucrete Solutions Ltd for undertaking the rehabilitation works, noting that the restoration of the bridges would help improve traffic flow, reduce pressure on the alternative Lokoja-Abuja bound bridge which had been under intense overload for almost two years now and enhance the safety and convenience of road users.
He further emphasised that the Kogi State Government, under Governor Ododo’s leadership, would continue to engage relevant federal authorities to ensure that critical infrastructure projects within the state are completed promptly and deployed to the benefit of the people.
Hon. Obasi added that the reopening of the bridges reinforces the importance of sustained government engagement, timely intervention and accountability in infrastructure delivery.
He expressed optimism that the restored bridges would serve motorists safely and efficiently for many years, while strengthening transportation links, trade and economic activities between Abuja, Kogi State and other parts of Nigeria.
“Honestly, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration in Nigeria is working in Kogi State and we celebrate not just the reopening of the two bridges, but the restoration of confidence, the relief of thousands of road users and the practical benefits of purposeful leadership by Mr. President. We sincerely thank Mr. President, the Honourable Minister of Works Sen David Umahi Nweze and our dear Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA, for making this achievement possible,” he concluded.
SA-FPI Media Team