The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge, restoring traffic between Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State after approximately 38 days of closure for rehabilitation and maintenance works.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, announced the reopening on Thursday during a ceremony at the Onitsha end of the bridge. The event was attended by government officials and traditional rulers from Anambra and Delta states.
The bridge, constructed in 1965, was initially closed to traffic from September 7 to September 21 to allow emergency repairs following the discovery of vandalised structural components, including steelwork around the expansion joints.
However, the closure was extended indefinitely beyond the initial reopening date because of persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances that delayed the rehabilitation work.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Umahi said the necessary infrastructure had been repaired to improve traffic flow, ease congestion and enhance the safety of motorists using the bridge.
He commended the governors of Anambra and Delta states, as well as the construction company, SKCC, for their cooperation and contributions to the rehabilitation project.
The minister, however, noted that some aspects of the work were yet to be completed, despite the reopening of the bridge to motorists.
Umahi also praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in the South-East and South-South regions.
According to him, the rehabilitation of the bridge demonstrates the President’s commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges across different parts of the country, irrespective of political or ethnic affiliations.
He urged residents of the South-East and South-South to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts, while expressing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The minister further recalled the longstanding difficulties motorists experienced on the Enugu-Onitsha Road, questioning why previous administrations had not done more to address the problem.
Umahi reaffirmed his support for Tinubu, describing him as qualified to lead the country and expressing no regrets about backing his administration.
He subsequently declared the First Niger Bridge open to traffic, expressing gratitude to God and describing the reopening as a significant development for commuters, traders and other road users travelling between Anambra and Delta states.
The reopening is expected to ease movement between the two states and improve transportation along the busy corridor connecting the South-East and South-South regions.
