Minister of Works David Umahi has asked the Anambra and Delta state governments to closely monitor scrap markets in their states following the vandalism of critical components of the First Niger Bridge.
Umahi made the call on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works at the Onitsha end of the bridge, which links Anambra and Delta states.
The minister said vandals had removed bolts, nuts and parts of the bridge’s expansion-joint steelwork, forcing the Federal Government to spend heavily on repairs.
The bridge was closed to traffic on September 7 for emergency rehabilitation, with the initial reopening date set for September 21. The closure was extended by one week following persistent rainfall.
Umahi said the ministry would write to the governors of Anambra and Delta to strengthen monitoring of scrap markets, which he linked to the theft of public infrastructure.
“Vandalism is costing the government huge sums of money,” he said, urging residents to report suspected vandals to security agencies.
The minister said the vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while the specialised expansion joint removed from the bridge had been manufactured and brought into the country for installation.
He said the bridge would not be reopened until the necessary structural works were completed, stressing that safety would take priority over pressure to restore traffic.
Umahi also directed the completion of CCTV cameras and additional solar-powered streetlights on the bridge. The surveillance system is expected to be linked to the Second Niger Bridge.
He further directed the removal of illegal advertisements from the bridge and called for additional assessment of its structural components.
Umahi also reiterated the restriction on sand dredging around bridges, saying the ministry would engage security agencies over enforcement.
Speaking on behalf of the Anambra and Delta governors, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended the pace of the rehabilitation and thanked residents for their patience during the closure.
The minister said the First Niger Bridge was expected to reopen next week, subject to completion of the outstanding rehabilitation works.
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