Niger Bridge Closure Extended; Umahi Vows No Reopening Until Work Done

The First Niger Bridge, which connects Anambra and Delta states, will stay closed to traffic until rehabilitation work addressing vandal damage is fully finished, Works Minister David Umahi announced this week. Umahi visited the bridge at its Onitsha end to inspect ongoing repairs and made clear the Federal Government would not rush to reopen the crossing before structural work is concluded.

The bridge was initially scheduled to reopen on September 21 but that date was pushed back after inspections revealed thieves had stripped critical components including bolts, nuts, and sections of expansion-joint steelwork. During his inspection, Umahi outlined steps to prevent future attacks on the infrastructure.

He has ordered that checkpoints be removed from within 200 metres of the bridge entrance to reduce traffic buildup and ease congestion. Umahi also appealed to Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police to enforce the checkpoint ban and directed security agencies in both neighbouring states to comply with the directive.

Vandalism at the site remains a major concern. Umahi criticised the theft and stripping of structural materials, noting the Federal Government has spent substantial sums replacing damaged bolts, nuts, and joints.

He called on the governors of Anambra and Delta to tighten monitoring of scrap metal markets within their states to cut off demand for stolen bridge materials and discourage further thefts. While one source suggests the bridge could reopen around September 28 if weather permits and work is completed on schedule, another indicates Umahi has committed only to finishing repairs without naming a fixed reopening date.

The extended closure affects thousands of commuters and commercial traffic between the two states daily.