Nigerian govt reopens First Niger Bridge after 38 days of closure

The Nigerian authorities has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State.

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, reopened the bridge on Thursday, 38 days after closing it for emergency upkeep and rehabilitation.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the bridge was closed for rehabilitation and initially scheduled to final from 7 to 21 September however was later prolonged indefinitely following persistent rainfall.

Reopening of the bridge

A video clip sighted by PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that Mr Umahi was flanked by some federal officers in addition to representatives from Anambra and Delta states throughout the reopening.

Some conventional rulers from the 2 states additionally attended.

During the reopening ceremony, the minister praised President Bola Tinubu for his infrastructure initiatives within the South-east and South-South.

He requested residents of the 2 areas to assist the president’s re-election bid in 2027 as a reward for his initiatives within the areas.

“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 declared, slicing a ribbon to sign the official reopening of the bridge.

Mr Umahi lauded the contractors for his or her diligence and high quality of work on the bridge.

“They have worked very well,” he stated.

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The Works Minister harassed that the rehabilitation was aimed toward bettering site visitors movement and making certain the security of highway customers.

First Niger Bridge

The First Niger Bridge, linking Onitsha and Asaba, was accomplished in 1965 and constructed by the French Construction firm, Dumez.

In 2018, the Goodluck Jonathan administration started development of a Second Niger Bridge to scale back pressure on the primary bridge.

But President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration accomplished the bridge and commissioned it in May 2023.

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