The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State after about 38 days of closure for rehabilitation work.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, officially reopened the bridge on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in the presence of government officials and traditional rulers from both states.
The bridge was closed on September 7 after engineers discovered damaged structural components, including steel parts around the expansion joints. The repair work was initially scheduled for completion on September 21 but was delayed by persistent rainfall and other challenges.
The reopening is expected to ease transportation between the South-East and South-South regions, particularly for motorists and commercial drivers who had been forced to use alternative routes during the closure.
Umahi Praises Tinubu Over Infrastructure Projects
Speaking at the reopening ceremony at the Onitsha end of the bridge, Umahi expressed satisfaction with his support for President Bola Tinubu, describing the President as qualified to lead Nigeria.
The minister also called on residents of the South-East and South-South regions to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects in the two regions as reasons for their continued support.
Umahi said, “We have no regret supporting President Bola Tinubu. Let me declare, in opening this bridge, that I have no regret supporting Mr President.
“I am very proud to have him as my boss. He is the most qualified and eminently qualified to lead this country.”
He explained that the reopening was also an opportunity to recognise the President’s contributions to infrastructure development across the South-East and South-South.
The minister further commended the governors of Anambra and Delta states, as well as the construction firm, SKCC, for their contributions to the rehabilitation project.
“We must commend the contractors, SKCC, very highly; they have worked very well,” Umahi said.
Some Work Remains Unfinished
Although the bridge has reopened to motorists, Umahi acknowledged that some aspects of the rehabilitation work were still ongoing.
Reporters at the scene observed that some of the bridge’s railings had been repainted, while workers were still completing finishing touches on other sections.
New road markings had also been applied, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed at different points to support monitoring and improve safety.
During an earlier inspection, the minister had disclosed plans to display photographs of President Tinubu on the bridge following the rehabilitation.
He also ordered the removal of unauthorised advertisements from the structure, explaining that the President’s photographs would be displayed in recognition of his administration’s work in the South-East.
Photographs of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside banners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were reportedly visible on the bridge after it reopened.
Traditional Rulers, Motorists Welcome Reopening
Traditional rulers from Anambra and Delta states who attended the ceremony praised the Federal Government for rehabilitating the bridge.
They described the project as the first major rehabilitation of its kind since the bridge was completed and opened in 1965.
Some motorists also welcomed the reopening, expressing relief that they could once again travel directly between Onitsha and Asaba without relying on alternative routes.
According to some road users, the closure had increased travel stress and contributed to higher transportation fares as drivers diverted to other routes.
The reopening is therefore expected to restore smoother movement of people and goods between the two states and improve connectivity between Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions.
The First Niger Bridge remains a critical transport link for commuters, traders and businesses operating across both regions.
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