The Federal Government has ordered the immediate installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and solar-powered streetlights on the First Niger Bridge to prevent further vandalism and theft of critical components of the infrastructure.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the First and Second Niger Bridges as part of his assessment of ongoing works around the facilities.
Umahi expressed concern over the removal and theft of bolts, expansion joints and iron bars from the First Niger Bridge, warning that the situation could pose serious risks to the structure and road users.
According to the minister, the CCTV cameras will provide live surveillance footage to relevant government officials and security agencies, including the police, to facilitate the identification and arrest of suspected vandals.
“We saw this vandalism on social media. We want to thank members of the public for bringing it to our attention,” Umahi said.
He noted that some of the bolts holding the bridge together had been removed, while an overhead steel bar had also been disconnected.
He explained that repairing some of the damaged components would be challenging because the bridge remains under tension.
Addressing concerns about movement on the bridge, Umahi said some level of movement was normal for bridges and did not necessarily indicate structural failure.
“People are saying the bridge is shaking, but that is because of the bearing. Every bridge shakes. Some movement is normal for bridges,” he explained.
The minister directed the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, to immediately procure and replace the stolen or damaged bolts. He also ordered that welding works should commence after the replacement.
Umahi further announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras on the bridge, with the surveillance system linked to the police for real-time monitoring.
He added that maintenance work would also begin, with the bridge expected to be closed at night during the exercise.
The minister also inspected the Second Niger Bridge, where he visited an area affected by erosion and ordered security officials to arrest anyone found illegally excavating sand around the bridge.
Umahi warned illegal sand miners and vandals to stay away from the infrastructure, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate activities capable of undermining major federal projects.
“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 directed.
He said the entire bridge would be equipped with surveillance cameras to strengthen security and enable law enforcement agencies to apprehend anyone attempting to vandalise the infrastructure.
Umahi lamented that government resources were being spent repeatedly to repair infrastructure damaged by vandals, saying such activities were undermining efforts to provide critical infrastructure for Nigerians.
The Federal Government’s latest measures are aimed at strengthening surveillance, protecting the bridges from further damage and ensuring the long-term safety of the infrastructure.
