The Federal Government has ordered the immediate installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, following widespread reports of vandalism and the theft of vital structural components.
The directive was issued on Thursday, August 27, during an emergency on-the-spot inspection of the facility led by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi. The intervention followed viral video footage highlighting severe damage to critical infrastructure connecting the South-East to western Nigeria.
During the site tour, Minister Umahi confirmed that key fittings, including foundational bolts, expansion joints, iron bars, and an overhead steel support bar holding parts of the bridge structure together, had been cut and stolen by vandals.
”The bolts holding this bridge have been vandalised and stolen, including the overhead steel bar, which has been disconnected,” Minister Umahi stated at the venue. “This is very dangerous and will be difficult to refix because the bridge is under tension. We thank members of the public for bringing this to our attention.”
Directing the Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Timothy Emenike, the Minister mandated immediate procurement and emergency repairs to restore missing components.
Security measures include Live-feed security CCTV cameras will be installed along the bridge, directly monitored by Ministry officials and integrated with the Nigerian Police Force for quick response and surveillance.
The will provisions for Solar-powered Street lights will be fully restored across the stretch to eliminate dark spots exploited by vandals. Portions of the First Niger Bridge will experience temporary nocturnal traffic diversions to permit engineers to carry out delicate alignment repairs safely.
Inspecting the nearby Second Niger Bridge, Engr. Umahi also ordered security personnel to arrest individuals engaging in illegal sand excavation around the bridge piers to prevent foundation erosion.
Addressing public concerns over structural stability, the Minister explained that minor movement in the bridge is a standard engineering design feature meant to absorb heavy traffic loads, reassuring motorists that comprehensive measures are underway to secure the crossing.
