The Federal Ministry of Works has condemned the growing vandalism of Nigeria’s road and bridge infrastructure, with the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, warning that the trend poses serious safety and economic risks to the nation.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi described the destruction and theft of critical road components as “deeply disturbing,” stressing that such acts undermine government efforts to rehabilitate and expand the country’s transport network.
The Minister disclosed that expansion joints and other vital steel components have been removed from major bridges across the country, including the Niger Bridge and Cumberland Bridge.
He noted that security agencies recently apprehended suspects for tampering with infrastructure on the Cumberland Bridge.
“Removing expansion joints and structural components from bridges is extremely dangerous. These are not decorative materials; they are essential to the safety and durability of the structures,” Umahi said.
He explained that many of Nigeria’s bridges were designed decades ago with specific load capacities and lifespans, but are now subjected to excessive pressure from heavy-duty vehicles.
According to him, vandalism further weakens these aging structures and increases the risk of collapse.
Beyond vandalism, Umahi also expressed concern over encroachment on federal road corridors, noting that illegal occupation of designated right-of-way areas continues to hinder construction and maintenance efforts.
“In many cases, our road corridors have clearly defined right-of-way limits, yet individuals build or carry out activities within those spaces. This complicates project execution and creates unnecessary conflicts,” he stated.
The Minister emphasized that while the Federal Government remains committed to delivering road projects within available budgetary allocations, safeguarding public infrastructure requires collective responsibility.
“No government can sustainably maintain infrastructure if it is constantly being sabotaged,” he said. “We must all take responsibility for protecting what belongs to us as a nation.”
Umahi revealed that the Ministry has begun deploying protective technologies on some bridges to deter vandals and assist security agencies in tracking offenders.
Abuja Times reports that the Minister warned that those found culpable would face prosecution.
He urged Nigerians to desist from acts that endanger lives and weaken critical infrastructure, warning that continued vandalism would attract government action.