Reopening of First Niger Bridge imminent, says works controller

The Federal Ministry of Works has said the First Niger Bridge, linking Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State, may be reopened before the end of this week, barring unforeseen circumstances.

The Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this on Wednesday, saying major rehabilitation works on the bridge had been completed.

The bridge was closed to traffic from September 7 to 21 for emergency rehabilitation and maintenance after vandalised structural components, including expansion-joint steelwork, were discovered.

The closure was later extended by one week due to persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had also insisted during an inspection on September 23 that the bridge would not reopen until critical structural repairs were completed.

Emenike said major works, including road tarring, asphalt laying, fixing of expansion bolts and other critical components, had been completed, while painting of the railings and installation of solar light poles were being finalised.

“The railing-painting exercise, which began last week, is expected to be completed shortly. Barring ‘unforeseen circumstances’, the bridge could be reopened before the end of the week,” he said.

According to him, the reopening would ease pressure on motorists and commuters who have been diverted to the Second Niger Bridge and alternative routes, resulting in longer travel times and increased transportation costs.

Emenike also dismissed claims that the newly installed brick demarcations on the bridge had been removed, describing photographs circulating on social media as fake. He added that the demarcations remained in place, except for designated openings created to allow emergency U-turns.