Vandals Of 2nd Niger Bridge SuperStructures Are Saboteurs, Umahi

Engr David Nweze Umahi
Honourable Minister of Works

Nigeria's Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi has expressed his deep shock following reports of vandalization of existing superstructure of the newly completed 2nd Niger Bridge.

The Minister, according to a statement from the office of his Special Adviser on Media, Orji Uchenna Orji Esq, has in his possession, 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.

A very disturbed Umahi noted that the the cases of vandalism of the structure is still being recorded despite the presence of the private security outfit deployed by the Federal Ministry of Works to man the area.

The Minister has therefore, condemned 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." Umahi stated.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, "the Honourable Minister notes that the 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over to the Renewed Hope administration on 12th December 2023, after its completion, is one of the PIDF projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure yearnings of the people of the area and boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria. This will, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor. "But it is heartrending that the facilities are being vandalized by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves."

The Works Minister, in the statement, "appreciates the public for the zeal of their concerns, particularly the patriotic young Nigerian who raised the desired alarm that trended widely in media platforms, and therefore, assures the public that a more formidable security architecture is being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities, while a technical team has been directed to inspect, evaluate and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure."

He enjoined all road users, residents and authorities within the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge of the 2nd Niger Bridge, 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, "to help keep watch against persons who vandalize, attempt to vandalize or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project, and arrest or report such persons to the nearest police station or call our hotlines - 08030986263 (SA Media)-08033389700 (Controller of Works FMW Anambra State)- 08067736638 (Controller of Works, FMW Delta State) or 08037056860 (Director Highways, Bridges and Design FMW)".

"The Federal Ministry of Works shall promptly and handsomely reward any person or group who arrests or gives useful information on the identity of perpetrators of vandalization of facilities on the 2nd Niger Bridge or, on any of our road infrastructure facilities nationwide. The Ministry of Works shall not only ensure that such perpetrators face the full wrath of the law of the land but shall also weild the long arms of the law on those who buy or patronize such stolen facilities.

"States and communities are nonetheless required to own and protect Federal Government's infrastructure sited in their respective domains."

The Minister further reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in changing the road infrastructure narrative of Nigeria. The statement concluded.