The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge to vehicular traffic following the completion of critical emergency rehabilitation works along the vital inter-state corridor.
Minister of Works David Umahi overseen the reopening of the strategic link connecting Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State, which had been adorned with large promotional portraits of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The major river crossing was temporarily shut to traffic weeks earlier after federal engineers discovered severe structural compromises caused by age and widespread vandalism, including the theft of critical expansion joints, structural bolts, and protective fittings.
Speaking during the ceremony, Umahi stated that the display of presidential portraits served to highlight the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the South-East region. He added that federal authorities have implemented strict security measures—including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, street lighting, and localized surveillance—to prevent future sabotage of public infrastructure.
The Minister also directed security agencies to dismantle unauthorized checkpoints within 200 meters of the bridge access roads to prevent traffic gridlock and ensure smooth transit for commuters moving across the South-East and South-South economic zones.
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