Umahi Orders Removal of Unauthorised Advertisements on Niger Bridge, Says Federal Approval Mandatory for Road and Bridge Billboards
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has reiterated that advertisements displayed on federal roads and bridges must receive approval from the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works, following his inspection of the First Niger Bridge, where he discovered advertisements, including those belonging to telecommunications company MTN.
During the inspection, Umahi reportedly expressed displeasure over the state of the bridge, which had suffered vandalism, as well as the presence of commercial advertisements on the critical national infrastructure. He subsequently directed that the advertisements be removed and replaced with photographs of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
However, further investigations revealed that a previous administration had granted advertising rights on the bridge to a private company, which subsequently permitted MTN and other advertisers to display their materials at the location.
Umahi explained that the arrangement with the private company necessitated further engagement before the proposed changes could be implemented. He disclosed that he personally paid the company from his own pocket to facilitate the installation of photographs of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and governors from the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones on the bridge.
The minister’s explanation comes amid public criticism from supporters of the Obidient Movement over the display of the President’s photographs on the bridge. Umahi maintained that those opposed to the photographs could equally approach the company responsible for the advertising rights and make the necessary payment to have their preferred photographs displayed, subject to the applicable arrangements and approvals.
The development has brought renewed attention to the management of advertising rights on federal infrastructure, particularly major bridges and highways that serve as vital transportation links between states and regions.
The First Niger Bridge remains one of Nigeria’s most important transport corridors, connecting communities across the Niger River and facilitating the movement of people, goods and commercial traffic between the South-East and other parts of the country.
The minister’s position underscores the Federal Ministry of Works’ authority over activities carried out on federal roads and bridges, while raising broader questions about the regulation of commercial advertisements, the enforcement of existing concession agreements and the maintenance of public infrastructure.
As discussions continue over the photographs displayed on the bridge, the central issue remains the need to ensure that all advertising activities on federal infrastructure comply with the relevant government approvals and contractual obligations.
