By isqil najim
The Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has voiced serious concerns following a recent truck accident on the Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, Lagos.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, April 26, 2025, involved a fully-loaded truck with registration number GGE 624 YJ that lost control and fell off the bridge, causing significant injuries to the driver and damage to two commercial buses.
In a press statement released on Sunday 27, April 2025, the NSE Ikeja Branch, led by its Chairman, Engr. Nimot Muili, called for urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.
She praised the swift response of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Nigeria Police Force in rescuing the injured driver and clearing the accident scene.
She however, stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent future occurrences.
She called for immediate inspection of the Pen Cinema Bridge structure to assess and repair any potential damage to maintain its integrity and safety.
She also call for an evaluation of the road surface and its impact to ensure continued durability and safe driving conditions.
Furthermore, the chairman advocated enforced compliance with speed limits and the installation of speed-limiting devices, especially for heavy-duty vehicles.
A re-evaluation of the process and procedures for the issuance of Vehicle Road Worthiness certificates for commercial and long vehicles is also recommended.
On NSE path, she called for collaboration between the NSE, Vehicle Inspection Officers, LASTMA, Nigerian Police, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on regular safety education and sensitization for truck and bus drivers.
Muili commended the efforts of the emergency responders and urged all road users, especially drivers of heavy-duty trucks, to exercise increased vigilance, particularly during the ongoing rainy season. She reiterated that adherence to road safety protocols is paramount for protecting lives and public infrastructure.
She reaffirmed the Branch’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety, ensuring the integrity of road infrastructure, and upholding professional engineering standards across Lagos State and Nigeria.