FG to reopen First Niger Bridge next week after rehabilitation

The Federal Government has announced that the First Niger Bridge, connecting Anambra and Delta States, will reopen for traffic next week after essential rehabilitation works are completed. Minister of Works, David Umahi, confirmed this during a visit to the Onitsha Bridge Head on Wednesday, as reported by Channels Television. The bridge was initially closed from September 7 to September 21, 2026, due to repairs, but the reopening has been extended by one week due to ongoing rainfall.

SKECC, the contractor, has made significant progress, including replacing and securing bolts removed by vandals, and manufacturing a specialized expansion joint for installation. Umahi directed the contractor to repaint the bridge’s structural components, caps, and internal carriageway sections, remove illegal advertisements, and install additional solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras, which will be linked to the Second Niger Bridge's surveillance system.

While acknowledging the progress made in about 10 days, Umahi emphasized that safety would remain the top priority before reopening. He also ordered an empirical assessment of the bridge’s structural elements, with the assessment report required before concluding the current phase of rehabilitation. Previously, the Federal Ministry of Works had announced the bridge closure for emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works.

Delta State’s Commissioner for Works, Charles Aniagwu, praised the swift and high-quality rehabilitation work, noting that the implemented directives have been effective.