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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
