The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has announced that the rehabilitated First Niger Bridge will be reopened to motorists next week following the completion of major maintenance works on the structure.
Umahi disclosed this during an inspection of the bridge in Anambra State, where he assessed the progress of the rehabilitation after the initial two-week closure and an additional one-week extension.
The minister said the rehabilitation had addressed several structural concerns, including damaged bolts and expansion joints, while work had also been carried out on the carriageway, walkways and other components of the bridge.
He directed that illegal advertisements on the bridge be removed and replaced with photographs of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Umahi, the decision was intended to acknowledge what he described as the President’s efforts in bringing federal projects to the South-East.
He also urged supporters of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to assess what he said were the projects attracted to the region under the Tinubu administration.
“Peter Obi is our brother and we do not hate him, but we need to be realistic this time,” Umahi said, adding that those supporting Obi should identify projects he had attracted to the South-East.
The minister further disclosed that security agencies would be asked to avoid establishing checkpoints within 200 metres of the bridge to prevent traffic congestion and reduce pressure on the structure.
He also appealed to the Anambra and Delta State governments to monitor scrap markets around the bridge, warning that activities in the sector could contribute to the vandalisation of public infrastructure.
Umahi equally announced a ban on dredging activities around the bridge, saying such operations could compromise its structural integrity.
The rehabilitation works, according to the minister, included the installation of closed-circuit television cameras and streetlights, replacement of damaged bolts and expansion joints, reconstruction of sections of the carriageway and walkways, and other structural repairs.
He said the bridge would initially reopen with only one carriageway in use, while work would continue on the other side for another 21 days before full reopening.
“We will add the painting of the kerbs, all the metal elements on the bridge will be repainted. We will reconstruct the entrance and exit of the bridge with concrete,” Umahi said.
He expressed appreciation to motorists and residents for their patience during the closure, saying the rehabilitation would improve the condition and longevity of the bridge.
The minister also commended the Anambra and Delta State governments for their cooperation during the project, particularly in providing support for traffic diversions and other arrangements.
The Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Timothy Emenike, who conducted Umahi around the project site, commended the minister’s commitment to the rehabilitation work.
