The federal government has established a state-of-the-art observation room to monitor the Third Mainland Bridge and its surrounding areas.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this when he led members of the National Assembly on an onsite assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects in the South-West region, including the Third Mainland Bridge, on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Umahi said the room would be manned by security personnel from the army, navy, police, and local security forces.

He said a dedicated boat and vehicles had been assigned to the facility to enable a swift response time of five minutes to any incident.

The minister also disclosed that the innovative security measure 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.

Additionally, he said the ministry would install solar lighting on all major roads to improve nighttime visibility and boost economic activity.

Mr Umahi also announced that the first section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was nearing completion and would be concessioned for operation and maintenance.

Deputy chief whip of the Senate, Peter Nwebonyi, commended the minister’s security initiative to establish a CCTV control room to monitor the Third Mainland Bridge and its surroundings. He said this initiative demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to progress and development.

He said the CCTV system would improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians by deterring criminal activities.

Mr Nwebonyi, therefore, called on all road users to adhere to traffic laws and regulations and contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the nation.

The minority whip of the Senate, Osita Ngwu, commended the government’s infrastructure efforts, specifically highlighting the recent flag-off of the coastal road section in Ondo.

He emphasised the Senate’s commitment to supporting the minister’s efforts and providing necessary legislative backing, just as he acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support for the minister’s initiatives.

The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the Minister of Works and promised parliamentary oversight.

(NAN)