First Niger Bridge: Umahi Moves Against Scrap Dealers Over Vandalism

By Chibuzo Obidike |Ichie Times

The Federal Government is moving to tighten the noose around scrap dealers in Anambra and Delta States following the vandalisation of critical components of the First Niger Bridge.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has asked the Governors of Anambra and Delta to closely monitor scrap markets in both states, warning that activities around the scrap trade could facilitate the theft and destruction of public infrastructure.

Umahi spoke on Wednesday during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge at the Onitsha Bridge Head, where he expressed concern that the government had been forced to spend huge sums replacing bolts, nuts and expansion joint components removed by vandals.

He recalled that as Governor of Ebonyi State, he banned scrap activities because of their alleged connection with vandalism of public infrastructure, and urged the two states to take stronger action to prevent a repeat of what happened to the bridge.

The Minister also called on residents to report suspected vandals to security agencies, stressing that protecting critical infrastructure should be a collective responsibility.

Beyond the scrap market, Umahi directed stronger security measures around the bridge, including the completion of CCTV cameras and their linkage to the Second Niger Bridge. He also ordered additional solar powered streetlights and reiterated the ban on illegal sand dredging around bridges.

Umahi said the vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while the specialised expansion joint had been manufactured, flown into the country and installed. He assured motorists that the First Niger Bridge would reopen next week after the outstanding rehabilitation works are completed.

Speaking on behalf of the Governors of Anambra and Delta, Delta Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended the speed of the rehabilitation and thanked motorists for their patience.

The First Niger Bridge was closed on September 7 after vandalised structural components were discovered. Its reopening, initially scheduled for September 21, was extended by one week because of persistent rainfall.