FG Condemns Vandalism of Structures on Newly-inaugurated Second Niger Bridge

•Says whistle-blowers to be handsomely rewarded

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government yesterday condemned the destruction of some structures on the Second Niger Bridge, a few months after it was officially handed over to the government by the contractor, Julius Berger.

A viral video of the vandalism of some portions of the road infrastructure had surfaced earlier, raising an online debate as to the attitude of certain individuals to publicly-owned facilities.

In a statement in Abuja, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said he was aware of the incident, describing it as cruel and cowardly.

“The minister is in receipt of a report on the activities of vandals on the superstructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge, particularly the cruel and cowardly incident of destruction of the expansion joints used to absorb the thermal expansions of the 2nd Niger Bridge.

“He expresses deep shock that  reports of vandalism are still being recorded despite  the presence of the  private security  outfit deployed  by the Federal Ministry of Works  to man the area.

“The minister condemns in the strongest terms this ruthless destruction of the expansion joints as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure that has immense socio-economic benefits to the contiguous states and indeed the entire nation.

“It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalyses Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement,” a statement by Uchenna Orji, the minister’s spokesman noted.

Umahi said that the 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over to the current administration on  December 12, 2023,  after its completion, is one of the presidential infrastructure projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure yearnings of the people of the area.

Besides, he noted that it was expected to boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor. “But it is heartrending that the facilities are being vandalised by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves,” he added.

The minister appreciated the public for their concern, particularly  the patriotic young  Nigerian who raised the  alarm  that trended widely on media platforms, and assured the public that a more formidable security architecture is being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities.

He explained that a technical team has been directed  to inspect, evaluate  and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure.

Umahi enjoined all road users, residents and authorities within the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge of the 2nd Niger Bridge, to help keep watch against persons  who vandalise, attempt to vandalise or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project, and arrest or report such persons to the nearest police station.

He listed other facilities that should be protected around the area as: The two secondary bridges of 21.7m each on Amakon village road, the cloverleaf interchange at Onitsha-Owerri road and the approach roads between Asaba, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State.

 He stated that if contacted, the Federal Ministry of Works shall promptly and handsomely reward  any person or group who nabs or gives useful information  on the identity of perpetrators of vandalism of facilities  on the 2nd Niger  Bridge or on any of Nigeria’s road infrastructure nationwide.

The minister added that he shall not only ensure that such perpetrators face the full wrath  of the law of  the land but shall also ensure that  those who buy or patronise such stolen facilities are punished.

“ States  and communities  are nonetheless required to own and protect federal  government’s  infrastructure sited in their respective domains,” Umahi advised.