FG reopens First Niger Bridge after 38-day closure

The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge, which links Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State, after a 38-day closure for emergency rehabilitation works. The bridge, which was completed in 1965, is a crucial transport route between the South-East and South-South regions. President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima's photographs were displayed on the bridge during its reopening ceremony on Thursday, alongside representatives from both federal and state governments and various traditional leaders.

The bridge was initially closed to traffic on September 7 to allow repairs after the discovery of vandalized structural components, including expansion-joint steelwork. The closure initially ended on September 21 but was extended indefinitely due to persistent rainfall and other delays. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, reopened the bridge and urged residents of the South-East and South-South to support President Tinubu's re-election bid, praising the President for his infrastructure projects in the regions.

The Minister also commended the governors of Anambra and Delta states and the contractor, SKCC, for their roles in the project. The First Niger Bridge, upon completion, was adorned with photographs of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, and various infrastructural improvements have been made, including the installation of CCTV cameras and newly painted demarcations.

Motorists have expressed relief at the reopening, noting that it will ease commuting stress and high transportation fares.