It’s sad 2nd Niger bridge facility vandalized, Umahi laments

Kunle Sanni

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has described as disheartening the news of destruction of the expansion joints used to absorb the thermal expansions of the 2nd Niger Bridge.

In a statement issued by Orji Uchenna his Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works on Tuesday Umahi expresses deep shock that reports of vandalization 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 condemned the act stating that the deliberate destruction of 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.”

“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, 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 Honourable Minister 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 he 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 enjoins 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 nabs 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, and shall not only ensure that such perpetrators face the full wrath  of the law of  the land but shall also wield 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 Honourable Minister  reiterates  the commitment  of the Renewed Hope administration of  President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR  in changing  the road infrastructure  narrative of Nigeria.