First Niger Bridge to Reopen Next Week After Rehabilitation

The Federal Government says the First Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta states will reopen to traffic next week, following the completion of key rehabilitation works.

Minister of Works David Umahi gave the assurance Wednesday after inspecting the repairs at the Onitsha Bridge Head.

The bridge was closed earlier this month after vandals removed critical structural components, including bolts, nuts and parts of the expansion-joint steelwork.

The closure was initially expected to end on Sept. 21 but was extended by one week because of persistent rainfall.

Umahi said the contractor, SKECC, had made significant progress, including replacing and securing the vandalised bolts. He also said the specialised expansion joint removed by the vandals had been manufactured and brought into the country for installation.

The minister, however, said safety would remain the priority before the bridge is reopened.

“We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” Umahi said.

He directed the contractor to carry out additional work, including repainting structural components and parts of the carriageway, as well as removing illegal advertisements from the bridge.

Umahi also ordered the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights and completion of CCTV cameras, with the surveillance system to be linked to the Second Niger Bridge.

He further directed an assessment of the bridge’s structural elements above and below water level, with a report to be submitted before the current rehabilitation phase is concluded.

On the bridge approaches, Umahi ordered a review of the planned asphalt works, directing that concrete be used on sections likely to undergo reconstruction in the future.

He said this would help prevent public funds from being spent on asphalt that could later be removed during reconstruction.

Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information Charles Aniagwu commended the Federal Government for the speed of the rehabilitation.

Aniagwu said the vandalised bolts, nuts and expansion-joint components had been replaced, while damaged portions of the asphalt surface had also been repaired.

He also commended motorists and other road users for their cooperation during the rehabilitation.