First Niger Bridge Reopens After 38 Days Of Closure As Umahi Praises Tinubu

The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State following approximately 38 days of closure for rehabilitation work.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, officially reopened the bridge on Thursday at a ceremony attended by government officials and traditional rulers from both states, allowing motorists to resume using the major transport link.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the bridge was shut on September 7 after workers discovered damaged structural components, including steel parts around the expansion joints. Although the repairs were initially expected to be completed by September 21, persistent rainfall and other challenges delayed the project.

Speaking during the reopening ceremony at the Onitsha end of the bridge, Umahi expressed support for President Bola Tinubu and urged residents of the South-East and South-South regions to back the President’s re-election bid.

The minister argued that the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects in the two regions demonstrated its commitment to development and should encourage residents to support Tinubu.

Umahi declared that he had no regrets supporting the President, describing him as highly qualified to lead the country. He added that the reopening of the bridge was an opportunity to acknowledge Tinubu’s contributions to infrastructure development in the regions.

The minister also commended the governors of Anambra and Delta states, alongside the contractor, SKCC, for their contributions to the rehabilitation project.

He explained that the repairs were intended to improve traffic movement and enhance safety for motorists using the bridge. However, Umahi acknowledged that some aspects of the rehabilitation had yet to be completed.

Journalists present at the reopening observed workers carrying out finishing touches on sections of the bridge. Some railings had been repainted, new road markings were visible, and CCTV cameras had been installed at various points.

The reopening followed an earlier inspection during which Umahi said photographs of President Tinubu would be displayed on the bridge to recognise the administration’s infrastructure projects in the South-East. He also directed the removal of unauthorised advertisements from the structure.

Traditional rulers from Anambra and Delta states praised the Federal Government for rehabilitating the bridge, describing the exercise as the first major rehabilitation of its kind since the structure was completed in 1965.

Motorists also welcomed the reopening, expressing relief that they could once again travel directly between Onitsha and Asaba using the bridge. Some said the closure had forced commuters to rely on alternative routes, resulting in additional travel stress and increased transport fares.

The First Niger Bridge remains a major transportation link between Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions, supporting the movement of people, goods and commercial activities across the two areas.