Umahi Says Niger Bridge Reopening Depends on Repairs and Safety

Works Minister David Umahi said the First Niger Bridge would remain closed until major rehabilitation and safety checks are complete, while directing added security measures and the display of President Bola Tinubu’s photographs on the crossing between Anambra and Delta states. Umahi made the remarks Wednesday, September 23, during an inspection of the work at the Onitsha Bridge Head. He said the bridge was expected to reopen the following week, but only if outstanding repairs were finished and safety requirements confirmed. The reopening has not been verified, and the minister’s timetable remains conditional. The bridge was closed for emergency repairs after structural components, including bolts, nuts and portions of an expansion joint, were reported vandalised. Its planned reopening was extended by a week after persistent rainfall affected the work schedule. Umahi said the contractor, SKECC, had replaced and secured the bolts and that a replacement expansion joint had been manufactured and brought to Nigeria for installation.