Nigerian Govt Begins To Install Security Cameras On Roads
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, Sen. Dave Umahi, disclosed this when he led members of the National Assembly on an on-site assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects in the southwest region, including the Third Mainland Bridge, on Thursday in Lagos.
Mr Umahi said that the room would be manned by security personnel from the Army, Navy, Police, and local security forces.
He said that 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 that the ministry would install solar lighting on all major roads to improve night time 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, Sen. Peter Nwebonyi, commended the minister’s security initiative to establish a CCTV control room to monitor the Third Mainland Bridge and its surroundings.
According to him, this initiative demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to progress and development.
He said that the CCTV system would improve the safety of motorists and pedestrians by deterring criminal activities.
He said that the surveillance would help to prevent vandalism of critical infrastructure such as handrails and street lights.
Mr Nwebonyi, therefore, called on all road users to adhere to traffic laws and regulations, to contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the nation.
The Minority Whip of the Senate, Sen. Osita Ngwu, commended the government’s infrastructure efforts, specifically highlighting the recent flag-off of the coastal road section in Ondo.
He praised the government’s focus on not only building infrastructure but also ensuring its safety and maintenance.
Mr Ngwu commended Umahi for his experience and dedication to infrastructure development.
He emphasised the Senate’s commitment to supporting the minister’s efforts and providing necessary legislative backing.
He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support for the minister’s initiatives.
The Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Mpigi Barinada, also commended the government’s infrastructure efforts and called for equity.
He emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects, noting that the CCTV control room was a significant step in this direction.
He drew parallels between the current efforts and the post-Civil War era, stressing the need for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and reconciliation.
Mr Barinada called for the replication of these innovative approaches in the South-East and South-South regions of the country to ensure equitable development.
He highlighted the strong collaboration between the Senate and the Ministry of Works to ensure effective oversight and budgetary allocation.
He emphasised the importance of completing projects to the highest standards and urged for strict monitoring and evaluation.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the Minister of Works and promised parliamentary oversight.
He highlighted the role of the National Assembly in overseeing government spending, particularly the 2024 appropriation.
Mr Alabi commended the minister for his efforts in addressing infrastructure challenges and improving project execution.
He acknowledged the minister’s assertive approach in dealing with contractors, ensuring that government interests are prioritised.
He assured that while supporting the minister’s initiatives, the House Committee on Works would maintain its oversight role to ensure accountability and transparency.
Earlier, the Ministry of Works officially flagged off the commencement of work on the Ondo section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
