First Niger Bridge Reopening Delayed Again as FG Extends Repairs

Motorists waiting for the reopening of the First Niger Bridge will have to wait a little longer, as the Federal Government extended the rehabilitation timeline after persistent rainfall disrupted repair work on the major link between Anambra and Delta states.

The bridge was initially scheduled to reopen on September 21 after a two-week closure for emergency maintenance. However, rain affected parts of the repair work, prompting officials to extend the closure.

Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Timothy Emenike, said some sections of the reconstruction were affected and washed away by the rainfall. He appealed to motorists and other road users for patience while the outstanding work was completed.

The development forced motorists to rely largely on the Second Niger Bridge and other alternative routes during the closure, leading to longer journeys and increased transport costs for some commuters.

A subsequent inspection by Works Minister David Umahi on September 23 provided a new timeline, with the Federal Government saying the First Niger Bridge would reopen next week once key rehabilitation works are completed.

Umahi said contractors had replaced and secured vandalised bolts, while a specialised expansion joint removed by vandals had been manufactured and brought into the country for installation. He stressed that the bridge would not be reopened until the major structural work was completed.

The minister also ordered additional work, including repainting sections of the bridge, removing illegal advertisements, installing more solar-powered streetlights and completing CCTV cameras linked to the Second Niger Bridge.

Umahi further directed an assessment of the bridge’s structural elements above and below the water level before the current rehabilitation phase is concluded. The Federal Government said the priority remains ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the ageing bridge before traffic resumes.