Niger Bridge Vandalism: Monitor Scrap Markets, Umahi Tells Anambra, Delta Govs

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged the governments of Anambra and Delta States to closely monitor scrap markets in their jurisdictions following the vandalism of critical components of the First Niger Bridge.

Umahi made the call during an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation work on the bridge, which links Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State.

The minister said state authorities needed to pay closer attention to activities around scrap markets because stolen metal components from public infrastructure could end up in such markets.

The First Niger Bridge was closed to traffic earlier in September after the discovery that vandals had removed critical structural components, including bolts, nuts and sections of its expansion-joint steelwork.

The Federal Government subsequently commenced emergency rehabilitation work on the bridge, with the closure extended by one week after persistent rainfall affected the initial repair schedule.

Umahi said the vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while a specialised expansion joint removed from the bridge had been manufactured and brought into the country for installation.

He said the government would not rush to reopen the bridge until the major structural rehabilitation works had been completed and safety requirements met.

The minister also announced that the bridge was expected to reopen to traffic next week following the completion of the key rehabilitation works.

To strengthen security around the facility, Umahi directed the completion of CCTV cameras and additional solar-powered streetlights. The surveillance system is expected to be linked to the Second Niger Bridge to improve monitoring.

He also directed security agencies to avoid establishing checkpoints within 200 metres of the bridge, saying such checkpoints could cause traffic congestion and place additional pressure on the structure.

Umahi further warned against dredging activities around the bridge, saying they could compromise the integrity of the structure.

The minister recalled that while serving as governor of Ebonyi State, he had banned scrap activities because of concerns that they could contribute to the vandalisation of public infrastructure.

The First Niger Bridge, completed in 1965, remains an important transport link between the South-East and South-South regions.

The latest rehabilitation follows growing concerns over the vulnerability of major public infrastructure to vandalism and the cost of replacing stolen structural components.