First Niger Bridge Reopened After 38 Days of Repairs

The Nigerian government has reopened the First Niger Bridge. This bridge connects Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State.

David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, reopened the bridge on Thursday. It had been closed for 38 days for emergency repairs and maintenance.

Earlier reports said the closure started on September 7 and was supposed to last until September 21. But due to heavy rain, the closure was extended indefinitely.

A video showed Mr Umahi with federal officials and representatives from Anambra and Delta states at the reopening. Some traditional rulers from both states were also present.

During the ceremony, the minister praised President Bola Tinubu. He highlighted the president's work on infrastructure in the South-east and South-South regions. He urged residents to support the president’s re-election in 2027 as thanks for his projects.

“By the power of Mr President and in our deep appreciation of what he has done for the people of South-South and South-east in this bridge, it is my humble pleasure, and with gratitude to God Almighty, to open this bridge for the benefit of our people, in Jesus name,” he said, as he cut the ribbon to reopen the bridge.

Mr Umahi also praised the contractors for their hard work and quality of repairs. “They have worked very well,” he remarked.

He emphasized that the repairs would help improve traffic flow and make the road safer for users.

The First Niger Bridge was completed in 1965. It was built by the French construction company, Dumez.

In 2018, the administration of Goodluck Jonathan began building a Second Niger Bridge to ease traffic on the first bridge. But it was the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari that finished and opened the Second Niger Bridge in May 2023.