Minister of Works, David Umahi, has raised serious concerns over escalating vandalism of critical road and bridge infrastructure across Nigeria, warning that the destruction threatens the sustainability of the nation’s transport network.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi said persistent attacks on key projects, particularly along the Lagos coastal highway and major bridges, have undermined efforts to modernise the country’s road network.
“Our coastal route in Lagos has repeatedly been targeted by vandals despite efforts to secure it,” Umahi said. “The green barbed wire we installed to beautify and protect sections of the highway is being cut and stolen.”
He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and security agencies for deploying personnel along the coastal corridor, but lamented that public disregard for protective measures continues to hamper development.
Highlighting specific projects, Umahi said the Shagamu–Owode road, designed to be 12 metres wide, has only nine metres paved, with pedestrians ignoring installed steel barriers.
He also noted that flooding along the coastal highway is largely due to blocked drainage systems caused by indiscriminate waste disposal.
“Refuse dumped into manholes blocks water channels and contributes to flooding. The public has a duty to protect public assets,” he said.
The minister further warned against the dangers of heavy trucks parking on bridges, revealing that structural defects had emerged on the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos.
He disclosed that temporary measures are in place to extend Carter Bridge’s usability for three more years before reconstruction. He attributed much of the damage to illegal sand mining, which compromises bridge foundations.
Umahi also listed vandalism incidents including the theft of electrical installations, expansion joints, and reinforced concrete barriers on major highways, such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road and the Second Niger Bridge.
He noted that CCTV installations on the Third Mainland Bridge, introduced on the President’s directive, have helped security agencies apprehend suspects involved in theft and sabotage.
The minister urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for safeguarding public infrastructure, stressing that repeated repairs due to vandalism strain public finances and slow national development.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for introducing reinforced concrete technology in road construction, which he said would ensure new roads last 50 to 100 years, unlike older roads that fail within a decade.
“While the Ministry of Works is committed to delivering value for money, no human endeavour is perfect. But public sabotage makes our job even harder,” Umahi added.
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