The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge, which connects Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State, following about 38 days of closure for emergency rehabilitation and maintenance.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, officially reopened the bridge on Thursday, alongside federal and state government representatives, as well as traditional rulers from both states.

The bridge was shut to traffic on September 7 after the discovery of vandalised structural components, including parts of the expansion-joint steelwork, necessitated urgent repairs.

The initial reopening date of September 21 was postponed indefinitely due to persistent rainfall and other unforeseen delays that affected the rehabilitation work.

Speaking during the reopening ceremony at the Onitsha end of the bridge, Umahi called on residents of the South-East and South-South regions to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects in the areas.

The minister expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, declaring that he had no regrets supporting the President.

He described Tinubu as highly qualified to lead the country and said the reopening of the bridge reflected his appreciation for the administration’s efforts in the South-East and South-South.

Umahi also commended the governors of Anambra and Delta states, alongside the contractor, SKCC, for their contributions to the rehabilitation project.

He praised the contractor for the work carried out on the bridge, noting that the intervention was aimed at improving traffic movement and enhancing the safety of motorists and other road users.

However, the minister acknowledged that some aspects of the rehabilitation work were still ongoing despite the reopening.

Completed in 1965, the First Niger Bridge remains a major transportation link between Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions, facilitating the movement of people, goods and commercial activities between the two areas.