The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State, restoring traffic after approximately 38 days of closure for emergency rehabilitation works.
The reopening took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following repairs intended to improve the safety and condition of the ageing bridge.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the reopening during a ceremony attended by government representatives and other stakeholders.
The bridge was closed on September 7 to allow maintenance work after concerns were raised about damaged and vandalised structural components, including parts of its expansion-joint steelwork.
The closure, initially expected to be temporary, was extended after persistent rainfall and other delays affected the rehabilitation schedule.
During the shutdown, motorists were directed to use the Second Niger Bridge as an alternative route between the South-East and South-South regions.
The First Niger Bridge is a major transport link for people and businesses moving between Anambra and Delta states. Its reopening is expected to ease travel and restore more direct movement across the Niger River.
Umahi described the rehabilitation as part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining critical national infrastructure and improving transportation across the country.
The work included structural repairs and other interventions intended to improve road-user safety and traffic management.
The minister acknowledged that some aspects of the wider maintenance work remained ongoing, underscoring the need for continued attention to the bridge’s condition.
Completed in 1965, the First Niger Bridge remains an important part of Nigeria’s transport network, connecting communities and facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between major commercial centres.
Its reopening restores a vital route, although sustained inspection, maintenance and enforcement against activities that could compromise its structural integrity will remain important.