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FG Repairs Vandalised Second Niger Bridge, Enhances Security

The Federal Ministry of Works has successfully repaired the damaged railings and expansion joints on the Second Niger Bridge, which are essential for managing thermal expansion.

FG Repairs Vandalised Second Niger Bridge, Enhances Security

Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, shared this update with our correspondent on Monday.

Orji confirmed that the repairs were completed on Sunday. He emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Works is collaborating with the police and other security agencies to enhance security measures, aiming to prevent further vandalism and protect the bridge’s “superstructure” from damage.

He stated, “Yes, the vandalised sections of the bridge have been fixed. Tough and decisive measures are being adopted by the ministry to curb further incidents of vandalism and theft of facilities on the Second Niger Bridge and other public infrastructure nationwide.”

This action follows a video that went viral on social media last Monday, showing the uprooted rail fittings and expansion joints on the bridge. In the video, popular social media user, Lord Zeus, stood on the bridge and advised drivers to be cautious of the damaged joints, especially at night.

The Minister of Works expressed deep concern over the vandalism, noting that such incidents continue to occur despite the presence of a private security firm hired by the ministry to patrol the area.

Orji mentioned, “Generous rewards have been offered for anyone who can provide information on or capture the perpetrators and their accomplices. The minister urges all road users, local residents, and authorities in the vicinity of the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge, the two 21.7m secondary bridges on Amakon village road, the cloverleaf interchange at Onitsha-Owerri road, and the approach roads between Asaba, Delta State, and Onitsha, Anambra State, to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the vandalism of the bridge.”

He provided contact information for reporting such activities:

  • 08030986263 (SA Media)
  • 08033389700 (Controller of Works FMW Anambra State)
  • 08067736638 (Controller of Works, FMW Delta State)
  • 08037056860 (Director Highways, Bridges, and Design FMW)

“The Federal Ministry of Works will promptly and generously reward anyone who provides useful information or apprehends the vandals. We are committed to ensuring these perpetrators face the full force of the law and will also pursue those who buy or use stolen facilities,” Orji added.

He reiterated the current administration’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure and stated that the ministry would not tolerate any further acts of vandalism. Enhanced security measures have been implemented on the bridge to enable quick responses to any incidents.

Last week, the Delta State police command sent a team to the vandalised section of the Second Niger Bridge to secure the area.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, stated that the deployment was intended to ensure the safety of the bridge.

Our correspondent, who visited the bridge on Monday, observed that the damaged sections had been repaired and vehicles were moving smoothly. However, the streetlights are still not functioning, causing the bridge to be dark at night.

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