The Nigerian government has commissioned a state-of-the-art solar-powered surveillance centre for the Second Niger Bridge, marking a shift toward technology-driven security on the country’s major highways.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, unveiled the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring hub on Saturday, describing it as a “microcosm” of a new national security architecture designed to protect infrastructure and commuters.
The bridge, a vital link between Nigeria’s south-east and south-west, has previously faced concerns over vandalism and long-distance travel safety.
A ‘smart’ bypass
The surveillance launch coincided with an inspection of the 17.5km Asaba bypass, a 179 billion naira (£88m) project designed to divert heavy traffic away from the busy Asaba township.
Key features of the new infrastructure include:
- Surveillance: Continuous CCTV monitoring powered by solar energy to ensure 24-hour coverage regardless of power grid reliability.
- Durability: The use of reinforced concrete pavement instead of traditional asphalt to increase the road’s lifespan.
- Lighting: Integrated solar streetlights to improve visibility and deter nighttime criminal activity.
“The job quality is excellent,” Mr. Umahi told reporters, adding that the government aims to commission the first half of the bypass by 28 April.
Boosting police response
The initiative has been welcomed by local security chiefs and traditional leaders. Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, stated the centre would provide a “major boost” to policing along the busy corridor, allowing for more rapid responses to distress calls.
The Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, also praised the move, noting that the “high-tech” approach would specifically target the “vandalisation” of bridge components, which has plagued several federal projects in recent years.
The Second Niger Bridge is one of Nigeria’s most significant engineering feats. This latest security upgrade is part of a broader federal policy to modernise “Section 2A” of the corridor, ensuring that the multi-billion naira investment remains safe for the thousands of vehicles that cross it daily.
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