Commuters groan as rainfall delays First Niger Bridge reopening by one week

Rainfall has caused a one-week delay in the reopening of the First Niger Bridge, which had been closed for rehabilitation since September 7, 2026. The delay has led to increased traffic congestion and longer travel times for commuters travelling between Onitsha, Anambra State, and Asaba, Delta State. The Federal Government had announced the closure of the bridge to allow for repairs, including replacing vandalised railings, bolts, and nuts, installing CCTV cameras, and improving the bridge's overall condition.

However, due to heavy rainfall, the project's completion has been pushed back by a week. The Ministry of Works expects the bridge to reopen on September 28, 2026, once the work is completed and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gives approval. Motorists and commuters are advised to continue using alternative routes, such as the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi and the Onitsha-Owerri Road, which have resulted in longer travel times and higher transportation costs.