The Federal Government has ordered the immediate installation of closed-circuit television cameras and solar-powered streetlights on the First Niger Bridge as part of measures to curb vandalism and protect critical components of the infrastructure.
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Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the directive during an inspection of the First and Second Niger bridges, expressing concern over the theft and vandalism of bolts, expansion joints and steel components holding parts of the First Niger Bridge together.
Umahi described the development as dangerous, warning that continued tampering with structural components of the bridge could undermine the integrity of the infrastructure.
“We saw this vandalism on social media. We want to thank members of the public for bringing this to our attention,” the minister said.
“The bolts holding this bridge have been vandalised and stolen, including the overhead steel bar which has been disconnected, and that is even more dangerous.”
Umahi explained that replacing some of the damaged components could be difficult because of the structural tension on the bridge.
“This will be very difficult to refix because the bridge is under tension, and as I am dragging it, it will make the members to yield,” he said.
Addressing public concerns that the bridge appeared to be shaking, Umahi said some movement was normal for bridges and was associated with their bearings.
“People are saying the bridge is shaking, but that is because of the bearing; every bridge shakes. Some movement is normal for bridges,” he said.
He, however, noted that the bridge currently carries considerable dead load because of the asphalt on it.
The minister directed the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, to immediately procure and replace the vandalised bolts, after which welding and other maintenance works would commence.
Umahi said the bridge would also be fitted with CCTV cameras capable of transmitting live images to designated officials and the police, allowing security agencies to quickly identify and apprehend anyone attempting to vandalise the facility.
“We will fix solar streetlights and CCTV on this bridge and that will be transmitted to your phone and also linked to the police,” he said.
He added that maintenance work would commence on the bridge and that it would be closed at night while the exercise was underway.
The minister also inspected the Second Niger Bridge, where he raised concern over erosion and sand excavation around the structure.
Umahi ordered the immediate arrest of anyone found excavating sand around the bridge, warning that such activities could threaten the infrastructure.
“I don’t want to know who they are. Once you find anyone involved in the excavation of sand around this area, you must arrest them,” he said.
He said the Federal Government could not continue spending huge resources on critical infrastructure only for individuals to undermine the projects through vandalism and illegal activities.
“The Federal Government cannot build bridges for the people and vandals continue to destroy them,” Umahi said.
According to him, the government intends to extend surveillance coverage across the bridge environment to strengthen monitoring and improve the chances of identifying offenders.
“Henceforth, the entire bridge will be wired with cameras to ensure that these vandals are arrested,” he said.
Umahi reiterated that the planned CCTV system would be linked to security authorities so that anyone seen tampering with the bridge could be tracked and apprehended.
“If we see anyone who comes here to vandalise the bridge, we pick them up,” he said.
The minister expressed frustration over repeated acts of vandalism against federally funded infrastructure, saying government officials should not have to repeatedly return to inspect damage caused deliberately by individuals.
“I have better things to do than to keep coming here to inspect vandalisation of infrastructure built by the Federal Government for the people,” he said.
The planned installation of CCTV cameras, solar-powered streetlights and enhanced security monitoring is expected to form part of broader measures to protect the First and Second Niger bridges from vandalism, illegal sand excavation and other activities capable of compromising their safety.
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