The Federal Government has vowed that the perpetrators of vandalization of facilities on the 2nd Niger Bridge or other infrastructure facilities nationwide shall not only face the full wrath of the law but shall also weild the long arms of the law on those who buy or patronize such stolen facilities.
Works Minister, Engr David Umahi disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday in receipt of a report on activities of vandals on superstructure of the Bridge, particularly the cruel, cowardly incident of destruction of the expansion joints used to absorb the thermal expansions of it.
Umahi expressed deep shock that reports of vandalization are still being recorded despite the presence of private security deployed by the Federal Ministry of Works to man the area while promised to reward any person or group who nabs or gives useful information on the identity of these vandals.
The Minister who condemned in the strongest terms this ruthless destruction of the expansion joints described it as act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure that has immense socio-economic benefits to the contiguous States and indeed the entire Nation.
Umahi said, “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.”
The Minister appreciated the general public for the zeal of their concerns, particularly the patriotic young Nigerian who raised the desired alarm which trended widely in the media platforms.
Works Minister noted that the 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over to the Renewed Hope administration on the 12th December 2023, after its completion, 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 southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor. “But it is heartrending that the facilities are being vandalized by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves”, he said.
Umahi enjoined all road users, residents and authorities within the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge of the 2nd Niger Bridge, the two 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 the Ministry hotlines – 08030986263, the (SA Media) -08033389700 ( Controller of Works FMW Anambra State)- 08067736638 ( Controller of Works, FMW Delta State) or 08037056860 (Director Highways, Bridges and Design FMW).
He said States and communities are nonetheless required to own and protect Federal Government’s infrastructure sited in their respective domains while reiterated the commitment of Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in changing the road infrastructure narrative of Nigeria.