After 38 Days of Closure, First Niger Bridge Reopens as Umahi Makes Bold Tinubu Declaration

The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, to Asaba, Delta State, after about 38 days of closure for emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, officially reopened the bridge on Thursday, October 15, 2026, alongside government representatives and traditional rulers from Anambra and Delta states.

The reopening brings relief to motorists, traders and commuters who have faced disruptions following the closure of the critical transport link.

Why Was the Bridge Closed for 38 Days?

The First Niger Bridge, constructed in 1965, was initially closed from September 7 to September 21 to allow emergency repairs after vandalised structural components, including the steelwork around its expansion joints, were discovered.

However, the closure was extended indefinitely after persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances delayed the rehabilitation work.

Speaking during the reopening ceremony at the Onitsha end of the bridge, Umahi said the necessary infrastructure had been repaired to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance the safety of road users.

He commended the governments of Anambra and Delta states, as well as the contractors, SKCC, for their contributions to the rehabilitation project.

Umahi Makes Strong Political Declaration

Beyond the reopening, Umahi used the occasion to express his support for President Bola Tinubu, praising the President’s administration for its infrastructure projects in the South-East and South-South regions.

The minister insisted that the region was benefiting from the Federal Government’s infrastructure development efforts and declared that he had no regrets supporting Tinubu.

He also urged Nigerians to support the President’s re-election bid in the January 16, 2027, election.

Umahi acknowledged that some work remained to be completed on the bridge but maintained that the rehabilitation carried out so far would improve its functionality.

The reopening is expected to restore smoother movement between Onitsha and Asaba, two important commercial centres in southern Nigeria.