Umahi Reveals FG Plans to Install Lights, CCTV Cameras on Niger Bridge, Intensify Clampdown on Vandals

By Praise Chinecherem

The Federal Government has ordered the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the First Niger Bridge as part of measures to curb vandalism and theft of critical components of the bridge.

The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, gave the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the First and Second Niger Bridges, where he expressed concern over the removal of bolts, expansion joints, iron bars and other structural components by suspected vandals.

Umahi said the government was alerted to the vandalism after images of the damaged bridge surfaced on social media, thanking members of the public for drawing attention to the situation.

“We saw this vandalisation on social media. We want to thank members of the public for bringing this to our attention,” he said.

According to the minister, some of the bolts holding the bridge together had been removed, while an overhead steel bar had also been disconnected, posing a serious safety risk.

“The bolts holding this bridge have been vandalised and stolen, including the overhead steel bar which has been disconnected, and that is even more dangerous,” Umahi said.

He explained that replacing the damaged components would be challenging because the bridge was under tension.

“This will be very difficult to refix because the bridge is under tension, and as I’m dragging it, it will make the members to yield,” he said.

The minister subsequently directed the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Timothy Emenike, to procure replacement bolts and commence immediate repairs.

“Buy the bolt tomorrow and fix them and let the welding take place on Saturday. As I will go to rest after this inspection, you will not rest until you fix these problems,” Umahi told the controller.

Umahi said the government would install CCTV cameras across the bridge, with the surveillance system linked to the police to facilitate the identification and arrest of vandals.

“Federal Government cannot build bridges for the people and vandals will continue to destroy them. Henceforth, the entire bridge will be fitted with cameras to ensure that these vandals are arrested,” he said.

He added that solar streetlights would also be installed and the CCTV feeds transmitted to relevant officials and security agencies.

“We will fix solar streetlights and CCTV on this bridge and that will be transmitted to your phone and also linked to the police, so that if we see anyone who comes here to vandalise the bridge, we will pick them up,” the minister said.

Expressing frustration over repeated damage to government infrastructure, Umahi said: “I have better things to do than to keep coming here to inspect vandalisation of infrastructure built by the Federal Government for the people.”

The minister also addressed concerns over reports that the First Niger Bridge was shaking, explaining that some movement was normal for bridges because of their bearings.

“People have said the bridge is shaking but that is because of the bearing and every bridge shakes. As for this bridge, there is so much dead load on the bridge because of the asphalt,” he said.

Umahi further announced that maintenance work would commence on the bridge, adding that the bridge would be closed at night during the period of the repairs.

At the Second Niger Bridge, the minister inspected an erosion site underneath the structure, where he expressed concern that ongoing sand excavation could further undermine the bridge and endanger motorists.

He directed security officials and relevant authorities to arrest anyone found excavating sand around the bridge.

“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 before you start making contact with us,” Umahi ordered.

“Don’t just report to us, arrest them first before you reach us,” he added.

The minister’s directives come amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to protect major transport infrastructure from vandalism, unauthorised excavation and other activities capable of compromising public safety.

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