Niger Bridge vandalism: Monitor scrap markets, Umahi tells Anambra, Delta govs

Minister of Works David Umahi has urged governors of Anambra and Delta states to closely monitor scrap markets in their respective regions to prevent further vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure at the First Niger Bridge, which links the two states. During an assessment of the ongoing rehabilitation work on the Onitsha end of the bridge, Umahi lamented the activities of vandals who damaged the bridge by stealing bolts, nuts, and portions of the expansion-joint steelwork.

The bridge was closed to traffic for emergency repairs from September 7 to 21, with the closure extended by a week due to rain. Umahi warned that the government had spent a significant amount of money repairing the damage and called on the governors to take responsibility for protecting the infrastructure. The minister also directed the removal of illegal advertisement billboards and replacement with pictures of President Bola Tinubu, and urged the public to report any sightings of vandals to the security agencies.