Why First Niger Bridge Reopening Has Been Postponed Again
By PAULINA NZERUBE
Reopening Date Extended Over Structural Work, Rainfall
THE Federal Government has extended the closure of the First Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta states as rehabilitation works continue on the strategic infrastructure.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the extension after inspecting the ongoing emergency repairs at the Onitsha Bridge Head. The bridge, which was initially expected to reopen on 21 September, will remain closed for an additional week because of persistent rainfall and the need to complete critical structural adjustments.
Umahi said the government would not allow pressure to reopen the bridge to override safety considerations, particularly following the discovery of vandalised structural components.
“We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” the minister said.
Vandalised Components Replaced
The emergency rehabilitation followed the discovery of extensive damage to important sections of the bridge. The affected components included structural bolts, nuts and portions of the expansion-joint steelwork.
Umahi commended the contractor, SKECC, for the progress recorded within about 10 days of intensified work.
According to him, the vandalised bolts had been replaced and properly secured, while the specialised expansion joint that was reportedly stolen had been manufactured and flown into the country for installation.
The minister, however, indicated that completing the immediate repairs would not mark the end of the government’s intervention.
Instead, he directed the contractor to incorporate additional rehabilitation and safety measures into the project.
More Work Added to Rehabilitation Scope
Among the additional works ordered are the repainting of structural elements, bridge caps and internal carriageway areas.
The minister also directed the removal of illegal advertisements mounted on the bridge and ordered the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights.
In addition, CCTV cameras are to be completed and integrated with the surveillance system on the Second Niger Bridge.
Umahi said the expanded security measures were intended to strengthen monitoring and help prevent further vandalism of the strategic facility.
Structural Assessment Ordered
Beyond visible repairs, the minister ordered an empirical assessment of the bridge’s structural elements above and below the water level.
The assessment is expected to provide a technical picture of the condition of the facility and guide further rehabilitation decisions.
Umahi said the resulting report must be submitted before the completion of the current phase of work.
The approach roads also came under review. He directed that concrete rigid pavement should be considered instead of asphalt for sections that would subsequently undergo reconstruction.
According to him, the measure would prevent government funds from being wasted on asphalt that might later have to be removed during reconstruction.
He explained that one carriageway could eventually be opened after the concrete attained the required strength, while work continued on the other section.
Delta, Anambra Commend Federal Intervention
Speaking on behalf of the Delta and Anambra state governments, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended the Federal Government for the pace of the rehabilitation.
Aniagwu recalled that Umahi had inspected the bridge on August 28 and subsequently directed the replacement of the vandalised bolts, nuts and expansion-joint components.
He said those directives had been implemented, while deteriorated sections of the asphaltic surface had also been scarified and replaced.
“We are pleased with the speed of work,” Aniagwu said.
He also commended motorists and residents for their patience, noting that the closure, although inconvenient, was necessary to protect road users.
Safety Takes Priority
The First Niger Bridge remains an important transportation link between the South-East and South-South regions, making its prolonged closure a major concern for commuters, traders and businesses operating along the corridor.
However, the latest decision indicates that the Federal Government intends to complete the major structural interventions before restoring normal traffic.
While the extension may prolong the difficulties faced by road users, the authorities have maintained that public safety must remain the overriding consideration.
The rehabilitation has therefore moved beyond the immediate replacement of vandalised components to a broader intervention involving structural assessment, surveillance, lighting, surface rehabilitation and additional safety measures.
