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FG Raises Alarm Over Vandalisation Of Bridges, Warns Of Looming Infrastructure Crisis

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Vandalisation Of Bridges

FG Raises Alarm Over Vandalisation Of Bridges, Warns Of Looming Infrastructure Crisis

FG 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.

Vandalisation Of Bridges

Umahi

“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

Crime

EFCC Arraigns Chinese Zhang Wen Hao For Cheating

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EFCC

EFCC Arraigns Chinese Zhang Wen Hao For Cheating

EFCC arraigns Chinese Zhang Wen Hao for cheating. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC Abuja Zonal Directorate has arraigned a Chinese, Zhang Wen Hao, before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa High Court sitting in Mararaba

He was arraigned on a one count charge bordering on cheating.

The count reads “That you, Zhang Wen Hao sometime in March 2023 at Suleja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did intentionally induce Paul Yichol with One Thousand Naira only to open account number 1715754475 in his name with Access Bank PLC for the purpose of using same for unlawful activity and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and punishable under Section 322 of the same Law.”

EFCC

EFCC

He pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran to ask the judge for a date to commence trial. Meanwhile, counsel to the defendant Michael Ukatu made an oral application for bail

Justice Shekarau adjourned the matter till March 12, 2026 for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

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Abuja

Residents Appeal For Immediate Resumption Of Road Project In Abuja Community

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Abuja Community

Residents Appeal For Immediate Resumption Of Road Project In Abuja Community

Residents appeal for immediate resumption of road project in Abuja community. Residents of the Mpape community in the Bwari council have appealed for the immediate resumption of work on the abandoned Mpape Road project.

News Agency of Nigeria • March 6, 2026
Road under construction used to illustrate this story (Credit: X)
Road under construction used to illustrate this story (Credit: X)
Residents of the Mpape community in the Bwari council have appealed for the immediate resumption of work on the abandoned Mpape Road project.

The residents made the appeal on Friday in a letter addressed to FCT minister Nyesom Wike, describing the road as the only major access route into Mpape District.

“It is also a critical link to other parts of the FCT,” the residents said in the letter.

Donatus Shekwolo, who signed the letter on behalf of the Mpape residents, commended the ongoing infrastructure reforms across the territory and urged the minister not to forget the area.

“The suspension of the Mpape Road project has continued to inflict hardship on residents and commuters.

“The road’s deplorable condition has led to daily gridlock, prolonged travel time and frequent vehicle breakdowns. Transportation costs have risen, while safety risks increase during the rainy season.

“Mpape hosts an estimated 500,000 residents, including civil servants, artisans and traders contributing to Abuja’s economy,” Mr Shekwolo said in the letter.

Mr Shekwolo noted that the area accommodates the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc quarry site, which supports construction activities across Abuja.

“The presence of heavy-duty trucks, alongside commercial and private vehicles, places enormous pressure on the damaged road,” said Mr Shekwolo.

He said, on behalf of the residents, that constant interaction between trucks and smaller vehicles has worsened the road’s deterioration and heightened accident risks.

Abuja Community

Road projects

 

“Several houses and businesses were demolished to pave the way for the project, and many families remain displaced, while portions of land were left exposed and unsafe.

“Completing the road will enhance mobility, economic activities, security and emergency response services. The minister should intervene and ensure the immediate resumption and timely completion of this project,” the letter stated.

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Economy

Enugu Assembly Passes Bill On Harmonisation Of Taxes

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Enugu Lawmaker Defects

Enugu Assembly Passes Bill On Harmonisation Of Taxes

Enugu assembly passes bill on harmonisation of taxes. The assembly’s majority leader, Iloabuchi Aniagu, said the bill would make the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) be in charge of collecting taxes.

Enugu House of Assembly
The Enugu House of Assembly on Thursday passed the State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Bill aimed at streamlining taxes and levies collected in the state.

Leading a debate before its passage in Enugu, the assembly’s majority leader, Iloabuchi Aniagu, said the bill would make the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) be in charge of collecting taxes.

Mr Aniagu noted that the current administration was doing everything possible to give the state a facelift, hinting that this could only be achieved through tax collection.

While noting that no society can develop without taxation, the lawmaker added that the bill would curb the menace of roadblocks by touts, which he described as a serious issue in the state.

Another lawmaker, Malachy Onyechi, revealed that the bill, when implemented, would stop people from evading taxes.

Mr Onyechi regretted that many people evade taxes but want the government to provide basic amenities in their communities.

Also, Obiajulu Ugwu pointed out that the bill was an indication that the state government had not only heard the cries of the masses but was also determined to find a solution.

She argued that the issue of multiple taxation was affecting the state government’s image and also providing the opposition with an avenue to criticise and attack the current administration.

The lawmaker stressed that the bill would end needless extortion by different ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Enugu Lawmaker Defects

Enugu Lawmaker

Speaking shortly after the passage of the bill, the House speaker, Uche Ugwu, reiterated that the eight assembly was determined to sanitise the state’s tax system.

Mr Ugwu maintained that the assembly would not fold its hands and watch greedy individuals impose hardship on the people or allow their constituents to suffer under the guise of tax collection.

The speaker stressed that the passed bill was not targeted at a group or individual but was to restore sanity in the collection of taxes and levies in the state.

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