The First Niger Bridge will remain closed until major rehabilitation work is complete. Works Minister David Umahi stated this during an inspection at the Onitsha Bridge Head on Wednesday. The bridge links Anambra and Delta states. Umahi said the Federal Government would not rush the reopening.
“We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” he said.
The bridge closed after officials found vandalised structural parts. These included bolts, nuts and sections of the expansion-joint steelwork. The closure was initially expected to end on September 21. However, heavy rainfall has delayed the repairs by another week. Meanwhile, contractor SKECC has replaced the vandalised bolts and secured them. The specialised expansion joint has also arrived in Nigeria for installation.
Umahi praised the progress made within about 10 days. Still, he stressed that safety remains the priority. He ordered more rehabilitation work, including repainting structural elements and carriageway areas. He also directed the removal of illegal adverts on the bridge. In addition, he ordered more solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras. The CCTV system will connect with the Second Niger Bridge.
The minister also ordered a full assessment of the bridge above and below water. He wants the report before the current rehabilitation phase ends. On the bridge approaches, Umahi directed officials to consider concrete instead of asphalt. This would prevent fresh asphalt from being destroyed during future reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Delta Commissioner Charles Aniagwu praised the Federal Government’s intervention. He said the repairs have improved the bridge and thanked road users for their patience.
