Heavy Rain Delays First Niger Bridge Reopening by a Week

The reopening of the First Niger Bridge, which connects Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State, has been delayed by one week due to constant heavy rainfall. The bridge was closed for rehabilitation works from September 7 to 21, 2026, as announced by Timothy Emenike, the Acting Federal Controller of Works at the Federal Ministry of Works.

The closure aimed to carry out emergency repairs, including replacing vandalized railings, bolts, nuts, and portions of the expansion-joint steelwork, as well as installing CCTV cameras. Despite some work being completed, heavy rainfall has affected certain sections of the bridge, necessitating an extension of the completion date.

Emenike stated that the contractor requires at least three consecutive dry days to resume work. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes during the closure, and the completion date is now subject to favorable weather conditions.