Umahi Raises Alarm Over Vandalisation Of Bridges, Warns Of Looming Infrastructure Crisis
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has raised serious concerns over the increasing vandalisation of Nigeria’s road and bridge infrastructure, warning that the trend poses significant threats to public safety and national development.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi described the deliberate removal of critical bridge and highway components as a direct assault on national assets. He revealed that vandals have been targeting expansion joints, steel reinforcements and other vital structural elements on major bridges, including the Niger Bridge and the Cumberland Bridge, often stripping and selling them as scrap.
According to the Minister, many of the affected bridges were originally designed with a lifespan of about 30 years and built to accommodate specific load capacities. However, he noted that persistent vandalism, coupled with excessive loading by heavy-duty trucks, has severely compromised their structural integrity.
Umahi also expressed concern over the illegal encroachment on designated right-of-way areas along federal highways. He explained that some road corridors have a 12-metre right-of-way, yet individuals continue to erect structures within these restricted zones, thereby obstructing ongoing construction and maintenance works.
While reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to delivering projects within available budgetary provisions, the Minister stressed that safeguarding completed infrastructure must be a shared responsibility.
He disclosed that the Ministry has begun deploying protective technologies on select bridges to deter vandalism and assist security agencies in tracking and apprehending offenders.
Citing a recent incident, Umahi said security operatives arrested individuals who removed critical components from the Cumberland Bridge, noting that such acts are becoming widespread across the country.
“These bridges were not designed for the kind of stress they are currently subjected to,” he said. “When you combine excessive loading with deliberate removal of structural parts, you are creating a dangerous situation.”
He warned that continued destruction of road infrastructure would result in escalating repair costs, transportation disruptions and potential loss of lives.
“No government can deliver infrastructure in perfect order if the same infrastructure is being destroyed,” Umahi added. “We are doing our best within our capacity and budget, but Nigerians must support efforts to preserve these assets. Our infrastructure belongs to all of us. If we fail to protect it, we will all bear the consequences.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to maintain and rehabilitate critical road networks nationwide, while urging citizens to desist from actions that undermine national development.
