The Federal Government on Thursday reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, to Asaba, Delta State, after 38 days of closure for emergency repairs.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi reopened the bridge on Oct. 15, with government officials and traditional rulers from both states in attendance.
The bridge was closed on Sept. 7 after an inspection revealed vandalised structural components, including steelwork around its expansion joints and damaged bolts.
The repairs were intended to improve the bridge’s condition and protect motorists.
The closure was initially scheduled to end on Sept. 21 but was extended because of persistent rainfall and other delays.
During the closure, motorists were diverted to the Second Niger Bridge and other alternative routes, leading to longer journeys and increased transportation costs for commuters and businesses.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Umahi praised the contractor, SKCC, and the governors of Anambra and Delta states for their contributions to the rehabilitation work.
“We must commend the contractors, SKCC, very, very highly; they have worked very well,” he said.
The minister, however, acknowledged that the work was not completely finished.
“We are not 100 per cent done because we are going to do more,” Umahi said.
He also used the occasion to urge residents of the South-East and South-South to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing the administration’s infrastructure projects in the regions.
“We have no regret supporting President Bola Tinubu.
"Let me declare in opening this bridge that I have no regret supporting Mr President,” he said.
Built in 1965, the First Niger Bridge is a major transport link for the movement of people and goods between Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions.
Its reopening is expected to ease movement and reduce pressure on alternative routes.
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