…..Promises Enhanced Bridge Security, Handsome Reward for Informants
The Federal Government has condemned the activities of vandals on the superstructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge, describing as ” cruel and cowardly” the destruction of the expansion joints used to absorb the thermal expansions of the bridge.
In a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Barrister Orji Uchenna Orji, in reaction to reports of activities of vandals on the bridge which went viral on media platforms, he also expressed deep shock that reports of vandalization are still being recorded despite the presence of the private security outfit deployed by his Ministry to man the area.
The Minister condemned in very strong terms the ruthless destruction of the expansion joints as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure that has immense socio-economic benefits to the contiguous States and indeed the entire Nation.
“It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalyses Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.”
Noting that the completed 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over to the Renewed Hope administration on 12th December 2023, is one of the PIDF projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure yearnings of the people of the area and boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor, Umahi lamented that ” it is heartrending that the facilities are being vandalized by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves.”
While appreciating the public for the zeal of their concerns, particularly the patriotic young Nigerian who raised the alarm the Minister assures the public that a more formidable security architecture is being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities, while a technical team has been directed to inspect, evaluate and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure. He also promised a handsome reward for informants.
“He enjoins all road users, residents and authorities within the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge of the 2nd Niger Bridge, the two secondary bridges of 21.7m each on Amakon village road, the cloverleaf interchange at Onitsha-Owerri road and the approach roads between Asaba, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State, to help keep watch against persons who vandalize, attempt to vandalize or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project, and arrest or report such persons to the nearest police station or call our hotlines – 08030986263 (SA Media)-08033389700 ( Controller of Works FMW Anambra State)- 08067736638 ( Controller of Works, FMW Delta State) or 08037056860 (Director Highways, Bridges and Design FMW).
‘ The Federal Ministry of Works shall promptly and handsomely reward any person or group who nabs or gives useful information on the identity of perpetrators of vandalization of facilities on the 2nd Niger Bridge or on any of our road infrastructure facilities nationwide, and shall not only ensure that such perpetrators face the full wrath of the law of the land but shall also weild the long arms of the law on those who buy or patronize such stolen facilities.
“States and communities are nonetheless required to own and protect Federal Government’s infrastructure sited in their respective domains.
” The Honourable Minister reiterates the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in changing the road infrastructure narrative of Nigeria.