First Niger Bridge Reopens After 38-Day Closure as Umahi Praises Tinubu

The First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, to Asaba, Delta State, has reopened to motorists after approximately 38 days of closure for emergency rehabilitation works. Works Minister Dave Umahi officially reopened the bridge on Thursday, following repairs to damaged structural components.

The bridge was shut on September 7 after vandalised components, including steelwork around the expansion joints, were discovered. The closure was initially expected to end on September 21 but was extended indefinitely because of persistent rainfall and other delays.

At the reopening ceremony on the Onitsha side of the bridge, Umahi was joined by federal and state representatives, as well as traditional rulers from Anambra and Delta states. He said the rehabilitation was intended to improve traffic movement and protect road users, although some work remained unfinished.

Umahi used the occasion to commend President Bola Tinubu and called on residents of the South-East and South-South to support his re-election bid. He cited the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects in the two regions as part of the reasons for backing the President.

“We have no regret supporting President Bola Tinubu,” Umahi said, adding that he was proud to serve under him. The minister also praised the contractor, SKCC, and the governors of Anambra and Delta states for their contributions to the project.

Photographs of Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, alongside All Progressives Congress banners, were displayed on the bridge railings during the reopening. Some railings had been repainted, while workers were still completing finishing touches in other sections. Newly installed traffic demarcations and CCTV cameras were also observed at various points.

Umahi had previously said that Tinubu’s photographs would be displayed on the bridge after the rehabilitation. He argued that the President’s infrastructure efforts deserved recognition and said illegal advertisements would be removed from the structure.

Completed in 1965, the First Niger Bridge remains a major transport connection between the South-East and South-South. Traditional rulers attending the ceremony described the rehabilitation as the first major work of its kind since the bridge opened. Some motorists welcomed the reopening, saying it would ease travel difficulties and reduce the additional transport costs associated with diversions.