Federal Government to Reopen First Niger Bridge Next Week

The Federal Government announced the reopening of the First Niger Bridge, which connects Anambra and Delta States, scheduled for next week after essential rehabilitation works were completed. Minister of Works, David Umahi, provided this assurance on Wednesday following an inspection at the Onitsha Bridge Head.

The bridge was initially closed from September 7 to September 21, 2026, for emergency maintenance, but the reopening was delayed by a week due to persistent rainfall. The contractor, SKECC, has made significant progress, including replacing bolts removed by vandals and manufacturing a specialized expansion joint for installation.

Umahi directed the contractor to repaint structural components, remove illegal advertisements, and install additional solar-powered streetlights linked to the Second Niger Bridge's surveillance system. He also mandated an empirical assessment of the bridge’s structural elements.

Delta State Commissioner for Works, Charles Aniagwu, praised the Federal Government for the swift rehabilitation efforts.