IN SHORT: A photo of a bridge under construction has been doing the rounds on social media in Nigeria. Users claim it is being built in Abia state. But that’s not true.
A photo has been posted on social media with the claim that it shows the longest bridge in Nigeria’s southern state of Abia. Users also claim that it is the work of Abia governor Alex Otti.
Part of one post, dated 24 June 2024, reads: “INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT: Aba Abia State longest bridge... a true testament of a man that is on a destined mission!!!”
Infrastructure plays a key role in the economic development and growth of any country. In 2021, Nigeria invested billions of nairas in infrastructure, including road and rail projects.
Since he took office in May 2023, Otti has been applauded by Nigerians for what many have described as a good job in the state.
If true, the bridge would ease the movement of goods and services in the state.
The same claim can be found here and here. (Note: See more instances listed at the end of this report.)
But does the photo show a bridge being built in Abia state in 2024, as the posts suggest? We checked.
Bridge in China
A Google reverse image search of the photo led us to a post on X (formerly Twitter). A US-based civil engineering firm posted it on 22 June 2024 with the caption: “China Bridge Construction.”
The photo began circulating in Nigeria on 24 June, two days after the firm posted it on X.
While this does not prove that the bridge is in China and not Nigeria, it does prove that the photo appeared online days before it was linked to Abia state.
Similar posts can be found here, here, here, here, here and here.
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