Minister of Works Dave Umahi during the reopening of the First Niger Bridge on Thursday. Photo: Ikenna Obianeri
The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, to Asaba, Delta State, after about 38 days of closure for emergency rehabilitation works.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, reopened the bridge on Thursday alongside federal and state representatives, including traditional rulers from both states.
The bridge was closed to traffic on September 7 to allow repairs after vandalised structural components, including expansion-joint steelwork, were discovered.
The closure was initially scheduled to end on September 21 but was extended indefinitely following persistent rainfall and other delays.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony at the Onitsha end of the bridge, Umahi urged residents of the South-East and South-South to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects in the regions.
Umahi said, “We have no regret supporting President Bola Tinubu. Let me declare, in opening this bridge, that I have no regret supporting Mr President.
“I am very, very proud for him to be my boss. He is the most qualified and eminently qualified to lead this country.
“And so, 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.”
Umahi also commended the governors of Anambra and Delta states and the contractor, SKCC, for their roles in the project.
“We must commend the contractors, SKCC, very, very highly; they have worked very well,” he said.
The minister said the repairs were intended to improve traffic flow and ensure the safety of road users, although he acknowledged that the work was not yet completely finished.
The First Niger Bridge, completed in 1965, is a major transport link between the South-East and South-South regions.
