ASABA/Nigeria: The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the recurring vandalization of essential metal components on the 2nd Niger Bridge, warning that the bridge’s accessibility may be severely impacted if the miscreants’ destructive actions persist. Mr. Mahmuda Mamman, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, conveyed the government’s apprehensions during a visit to the bridge on Sunday to assess the extent of the damage caused by the vandals.
The 2nd Niger Bridge, a monumental infrastructure project undertaken by the Federal Government, holds significant importance in facilitating the smooth movement of goods and services across Nigeria. Mr. Mamman emphasized that unrestricted mobility is a fundamental human right, and it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard this critical asset.
“We woke up to the distressing news of the vandalization of certain metal components on the bridge. The Federal Government has invested substantially in this project to benefit the nation, and it is disheartening to witness such acts of destruction,” stated Mr. Mamman during his assessment.
In light of the escalating situation, Mr. Mamman urged security agencies to escalate their surveillance efforts on the bridge and promptly address the activities of these miscreants, who are evidently targeting the metal components.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the responsibility of safeguarding national assets should not rest on the shoulders of a single entity but rather be embraced as a shared responsibility. He called upon the host communities surrounding the bridge to actively participate in ensuring the protection of this vital infrastructure for the greater good of the public and the nation.
Addressing concerns about the prolonged completion of the project, Mr. Mamman revealed that security challenges have contributed significantly to the delays. He assured that the Federal Government had engaged in discussions with Julius Berger, the construction company handling the project, and received a commitment that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the bridge would be completed within the next three weeks.
“The contractor has identified security concerns as a major challenge in the timely completion of the project. However, based on their commitment, we expect the final touches to be concluded soon,” said Mr. Mamman.
Currently, the bridge is undergoing maintenance by the construction company that initially built it, and steps are being taken to repair and replace the vandalized components before the official handover.
With the fate of the 2nd Niger Bridge hanging in the balance, the government, security agencies, and communities are urged to unite and take resolute action to protect this vital infrastructure, ensuring unimpeded movement and prosperity for Nigeria.
