The Federal Government has officially reopened the First Niger Bridge to traffic following a 38-day closure, restoring vital transit connectivity between Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi led the reopening ceremony on Thursday, October 15, alongside federal and state officials, alongside traditional rulers from both Anambra and Delta states.
Constructed in 1965, the bridge was originally closed on September 7 for emergency rehabilitation following the discovery of severe structural vandalism, including damaged expansion-joint steelwork. Although initially slated for reopening on September 21, the closure was extended due to heavy rainfall and unforeseen engineering challenges.
Performing the inauguration at the Onitsha approach, Minister Umahi praised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development in the South-East and South-South zones, urging citizens to reciprocate by supporting the administration in the upcoming January 16, 2027, presidential election.
While acknowledging that supplementary maintenance work remains, the minister added;
“What other regions are getting, the people of the South-South and South-East are getting it. And so, why should we not appreciate the President?” Umahi stated, officially declaring the bridge open to the public.