The Federal Government is considering the installation of weighbridges along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as part of efforts to reduce accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles and improve safety on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
The proposal follows a tanker fire at Otedola Bridge in Lagos on Monday, October 19, 2026, which renewed concerns about overloaded trucks, vehicle maintenance and dangerous driving practices.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, disclosed the plan on Tuesday during a joint press briefing with Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, at the accident location.
FG Moves to Tackle Overloaded Trucks on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
Dare explained that the Federal Ministry of Works would consider incorporating weighbridges into its planned improvement of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
He said a formal proposal would be submitted to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, within one week for consideration.
The weighbridges would help authorities identify trucks carrying loads beyond permitted limits and strengthen safety checks on articulated vehicles using the highway.
According to Dare, the initiative could also encourage better maintenance of braking systems and reduce the risks associated with heavy vehicles travelling through busy sections of the road.
The proposal is being considered alongside plans to upgrade the expressway using continuously reinforced concrete pavement.
Otedola Bridge Tanker Fire Raises Safety Concerns
Providing details of Monday’s incident, Dare said preliminary information indicated that a fully loaded tanker rolled backwards before colliding with another vehicle and falling beneath Otedola Bridge.
The incident resulted in a fire and prompted an emergency response from relevant authorities.
The Federal Controller of Works said the accident highlighted the dangers posed by poorly maintained heavy-duty vehicles and unsafe driving practices.
He disclosed that the ministry would carry out a comprehensive structural assessment of Otedola Bridge to determine whether the incident had affected its integrity.
Although officials indicated that the bridge remained safe for motorists, the planned technical examination is expected to provide a more detailed assessment.
Beyond overloaded vehicles, Dare identified several other problems affecting safety along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
He cited reckless driving, indiscriminate truck parking, poor vehicle maintenance and the removal of important road infrastructure.
According to him, more than 100 solar-powered streetlights have been stolen from the highway, while the removal of guardrails has created additional safety concerns.
He warned that these activities could undermine efforts to improve road conditions and protect motorists.
Dare also commended the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and other emergency agencies for responding promptly to the tanker accident.
Lagos, Ogun Plan Joint Meeting on Highway Safety
The Federal Controller of Works announced that a broader stakeholders’ meeting would take place in mid-November to address recurring safety problems along the expressway.
The proposed meeting will bring together government officials, security agencies, transport operators, traditional rulers and other stakeholders from Lagos and Ogun states.
Dare said the engagement would focus on practical measures to reduce accidents, improve traffic management and discourage activities that threaten road safety.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, also stressed the need for stronger cooperation between both states.
He explained that managing the highway effectively would require coordinated action because the road serves motorists and commercial vehicles travelling between Lagos, Ogun and other parts of Nigeria.
Lagos Government Supports Proposed Weighbridges
Osiyemi welcomed the Federal Government’s consideration of weighbridges, describing vehicle overloading as one of the issues requiring urgent attention.
He observed that some trucks operating along the corridor were either carrying excessive loads or were unsuitable for the demands of the highway.
The commissioner maintained that improved monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles would complement existing traffic enforcement and road safety measures.
He also urged truck owners, haulage companies and transport unions to ensure their vehicles were properly maintained before allowing drivers to undertake journeys.
According to him, regular mechanical inspections and responsible driving could help prevent avoidable accidents.
One Person Injured as Lagos Intensifies Road Safety Campaign
Osiyemi disclosed that information available to him indicated that one person sustained burns during the Otedola Bridge tanker incident.
He said the injured person was receiving treatment at a hospital.
The commissioner also announced that the Lagos State Government had commenced its ember-month road safety campaign, with additional personnel deployed to improve traffic monitoring and enforcement.
He appealed to motorists to avoid excessive speeding, maintain their vehicles and prioritise safety over arriving quickly at their destinations.
Osiyemi further assured road users that Otedola Bridge could still be used, while noting that a comprehensive structural examination would be conducted by federal authorities.
Why Weighbridges Could Improve Highway Safety
Weighbridges are specialised weighing facilities used to measure the weight of trucks and their cargo.
They help transport authorities determine whether vehicles comply with applicable weight restrictions, particularly axle-load and gross vehicle weight limits.
Overloaded trucks can experience longer braking distances, increased tyre stress and greater difficulty maintaining stability, especially on slopes or during emergency manoeuvres.
Excessive loads can also accelerate damage to road surfaces and other transport infrastructure.
If approved and properly implemented, weighbridges on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway could strengthen enforcement against overloaded vehicles and support broader efforts to improve highway safety.
However, the Federal Government has not yet announced a final decision, installation timetable or locations for the proposed facilities.
### Officials Attend Otedola Bridge Briefing
The briefing was attended by the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, and the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Wale Musa.
Other officials from the Federal Ministry of Works were also present.
The proposed weighbridge initiative is expected to form part of further discussions between federal and state authorities on improving safety along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
