Onitsha Main Bridge: Umahi Postpones Reopen Date for First Niger Bridge, Cites Ongoing Structural Adjustments

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that the First Niger Bridge will remain closed to traffic beyond its initial schedule as critical structural rehabilitation works and weather-induced delays continue on the strategic facility linking Anambra and Delta states.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Onitsha Bridge Head after inspecting the ongoing emergency repairs, Umahi revealed that the reopening date—originally slated for September 21—has been extended by one week due to persistent rainfall and the need to complete vital structural adjustments.

The Federal Government had ordered an emergency closure of the bridge following the discovery of extensive vandalism affecting critical components, including structural bolts, nuts, and sections of the expansion-joint steelwork.

Umahi commended the contractor, SKECC, for making rapid progress over a 10-day period, noting that stolen bolts had been replaced and secured, while custom-manufactured expansion joints were flown into the country for immediate installation. However, he emphasized that public safety remains the government’s paramount concern.

“We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” the minister stated firmly.

To maximize the impact of the maintenance exercise, Umahi directed the contractor to expand the scope of work. Additional mandates include repainting structural elements and internal carriageways, removing illegal advertisements mounted on the bridge, installing solar-powered streetlights, and mounting CCTV surveillance cameras that will integrate directly with the Second Niger Bridge monitoring system.

Furthermore, the minister ordered a comprehensive empirical assessment of the bridge’s structural elements both above and below the water line, with a technical report expected prior to final handover. Addressing the bridge approaches, Umahi instructed engineers to use concrete rigid pavement instead of asphalt on critical sections undergoing future reconstruction to prevent financial waste.

Reacting on behalf of both the Delta and Anambra state governments, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, praised the Federal Government for its swift response and high execution standards.

Aniagwu recalled Umahi’s earlier inspection on August 28 where directives were issued to fix the vandalised sections and scarify deteriorated asphaltic surfaces.

“We are pleased with the speed of work. We want to also appreciate our people who demonstrated a whole lot of patience to understand that you are after their safety,” Aniagwu said, expressing confidence that the upgraded bridge would stand the test of time and provide a safer transit corridor for commuters across the Niger.