The Federal Government on Thursday raised concerns over a disturbing surge in vandalism of critical public infrastructure, particularly along the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway corridor and major bridges in Lagos.

It warned that the trend threatened the durability of newly constructed roads and bridges nationwide.

The government also attributed recent flooding along the coastal highway to blocked drainage channels caused by improper waste disposal.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who spoke at a press briefing in Abuja, described the situation as “alarming and unsustainable,” saying the ministry was engaged in a “daily fight” to protect federal assets from deliberate sabotage.

According to him, the Lagos coastal highway had become a major hotspot for vandalism despite intensified security measures.

“This press briefing is to bring to the attention of the public the massive vandalism of our critical infrastructure all over the country. Within the coastal route that is being circulated, you can see massive break-ins. It is a daily fight,” he said.

Umahi said he personally visited Lagos two weeks ago to assess the destruction and commended the Lagos State Government and the police for deploying operatives along the highway.

“I thank the governor and the people of Lagos State, as well as the Commissioner of Police.

“There has been a massive deployment within the coastal route to check vandalism. But as we speak now, the things we have done to protect the coastal route are being destroyed by people,” he said.

The minister disclosed that protective installations, including green barbed wires and other security fittings along sections of the highway, had been repeatedly cut and stolen.

“They have cut wires that were put there to protect the beauty of the coastal roads. In several sections, these have been cut and taken away,” he said, adding that ongoing construction works were being disrupted by illegal access to restricted areas.

“The width of our road is 12 metres, and nine metres have been completed. There are connecting wire bars and protective coverings. Yet people go there, cross into the restricted areas and damage the work,” he explained.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, one of the Federal Government’s flagship road projects, is designed to run approximately 700 kilometres from Lagos through several coastal states to Calabar, Cross River State, boosting trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.

The first phase in Lagos has faced controversies ranging from right-of-way disputes to environmental concerns.

Umahi linked the recent flooding along the coastal highway to blocked drainage channels caused by indiscriminate waste disposal.

“The flooding of the coastal highway was because our underground drainage channels were blocked. People dump refuse inside the manholes and underground channels. When those channels are blocked, water has nowhere to go. That is the basic reason for flooding seen on the coastal road, and I think for most places in Lagos.

“The public has a duty to protect public assets. We are doing everything possible to ensure the coastal highway is free and functional, but citizens must also play their part,” he said.

Beyond the coastal road, Umahi expressed concern over the condition of major bridges in Lagos, including the Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge.

He disclosed that serious structural issues had been identified, with experts recommending eventual demolition of Carter Bridge.

Temporary measures are being implemented to keep it functional for about three years pending reconstruction.

Umahi attributed much of the damage to illegal sand mining around bridge foundations, explaining that many bridge piles depend on sand for stability.

“To the extent that by investigations and stakeholders’ meetings, experts have said Carter Bridge has to be demolished.

“But we are doing everything possible to strengthen it so that we can use it for the next three years pending reconstruction,” he said.

He cited an incident in which an illegal miner struck and removed a bridge pile, adding: “We have directed that the company involved be prosecuted. These illegalities have serious consequences on our infrastructure.”

The minister also listed other acts of vandalism nationwide, including the theft of expansion joints on bridges, reinforced concrete barriers on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway, and electrical installations on flyovers and bridges.

“Just about two weeks back, we caught people removing expansion joints on Carter Bridge in Lagos.

“This is the second time we are catching people there,” he said, noting that expansion joints were often sold as scrap, weakening structural integrity.

Umahi highlighted the role of security technology, noting that the installation of Closed-Circuit Television cameras on the Third Mainland Bridge, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, had helped track and arrest vandals.

“It was very easy for the police to catch the vandals because of the CCTV installed there,” he said.

The minister warned against the practice of parking heavy trucks on bridges, stressing that bridges are not designed to withstand prolonged static loads.

“Roads and bridges are never designed for static loads. When you allow heavy trucks and vehicles to be parked on bridges, you are asking for trouble,” he cautioned.

He reiterated that the Federal Government had adopted reinforced concrete technology in road construction to enhance durability.

“The President inherited a very terrible state of roads and bridges. That is why he introduced reinforced concrete technology.

“The roads we are building now will last between 50 and 100 years, unlike many older roads that failed within 10 years,” he said.

While acknowledging that no project execution was perfect, Umahi insisted that the ministry remained committed to transparency and value for money.

“No one is God. No human being does anything in perfect order. But we are doing everything within the limit of our ability and conscience to ensure there is value for money and that we address the needs of our people,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for safeguarding public infrastructure, warning that repeated vandalism would drain public resources and slow national development.

“If we do not protect this infrastructure, repairs will have to be repeated. That is not good for our society.

“The President is working tirelessly to deliver these projects, and we must all help to protect them,” he concluded. (The Punch)