A viral social media claim alleging the collapse of a newly commissioned flyover in Lafia, Nasarawa State, just three weeks after its inauguration has been debunked by the state government and fact-checking organizations. The project, costing N16 billion—not the rumored N10 billion—remains intact and operational, dispelling rumors that have sparked widespread concern.
No Collapse in Lafia: Official Statement
The Nasarawa State Urban Development Board (NUDB), led by Engr. Ahmed Wada Yahaya, confirmed on July 24, 2025, that the Lafia flyover and underpass, commissioned by President Bola Tinubu in May 2025, is fully functional and meets international engineering standards. Yahaya dismissed the collapse claim as “mischief taken too far,” aimed at undermining Governor Abdullahi Sule’s infrastructure achievements. An on-site assessment revealed normal vehicular and pedestrian activity, with the flyover’s 65-ton capacity designed to withstand heavy loads.
Fact-Checking the Viral Hoax
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The claim, which spread rapidly across platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, falsely stated, “Flyover collapse after 3 weeks of commissioning in Lafia, Nassarawa State. 10 Billion was spent on this project.” PRNigeria’s fact-checking team, in a report dated July 24, 2025, identified the accompanying image as AI-generated, not depicting the Lafia flyover. Economy Confidential further labeled the claim a hoax, noting it likely stemmed from confusion with a separate incident in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Keffi Incident: The Source of Confusion
On July 17, 2025, a flyover in Keffi partially collapsed after an overloaded truck collided with a beam, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries. This N16 billion project, distinct from the Lafia flyover, prompted a swift response from the Federal Government, with Minister of Works David Umahi announcing a 30-day repair timeline. The proximity of this incident likely fueled misinformation about Lafia’s infrastructure.
Lafia Flyover: A N16 Billion Legacy Project
Contrary to the viral claim’s N10 billion figure, the Lafia flyover and underpass cost N16 billion, as confirmed by multiple sources, including Leadership.ng and Punch.ng. Completed ahead of schedule, the project incorporates cutting-edge engineering for durability and safety, serving as a cornerstone of Governor Sule’s urban development agenda. Its commissioning by President Tinubu marked a significant milestone in easing traffic congestion in Lafia.
Public Reaction and Misinformation Concerns
The false claim triggered outrage among Nigerians, particularly on social media, with many citing it as evidence of corruption and substandard infrastructure. The Nasarawa State government has called for stricter measures against fake news, urging citizens to verify information before sharing. Fact-checking efforts emphasize the need for responsible reporting to maintain public trust in Nigeria’s infrastructure projects.
Why This Matters
The Lafia flyover misinformation highlights the dangers of unverified social media claims, which can erode confidence in government initiatives. As Nasarawa State continues to invest in transformative infrastructure, accurate reporting is crucial to separate fact from fiction.