The First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State has reopened after thirty-eight days of emergency rehabilitation works.
Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi officially reopened the bridge on Friday, 16 October 2026.
The structure was closed on 7 September 2026 following the discovery of damaged structural components, including steelwork around the expansion joints.
Repairs were initially scheduled to end on 21 September but were extended because of persistent rainfall and other delays.
At the reopening ceremony, Umahi said he has no regrets about supporting President Bola Tinubu.
He praised the President’s infrastructure interventions in the South-East and South-South regions and urged residents to reward the administration’s efforts.
Photographs of President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and All Progressives Congress (APC) banners were displayed along the bridge railings.
Umahi had earlier directed that illegal advertisements be removed from the bridge and that Tinubu’s pictures be used to decorate it upon completion of the works.
Public Reaction and Political Context
The presence of the political posters and banners has drawn criticism online.
Observers questioned the appropriateness of decorating a major public infrastructure project with partisan political campaign materials.
Umahi defended the display as recognition of the Federal Government’s investment in the South-East.
He also warned that unauthorised billboards on federal highways would not be tolerated.
The First Niger Bridge, completed in 1965, remains a vital transport link between the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones.
Its prolonged closure caused significant disruption to the movement of people, goods and commercial traffic.
The reopening is expected to ease congestion and restore normal flow across the River Niger.
Additional works, including improved road markings, solar lighting and closed-circuit television cameras, formed part of the rehabilitation package.
Umahi acknowledged that some finishing touches were still ongoing even as the bridge returned to public use.
Divided Opinion
Earlier, the head of The Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, known as Odumeje, berated the government and its South Eastern political backers for celebrating the repair.
Odumeje wondered why the South East is expected to celebrate repairs of a road built in 1965 while other regions were getting choice new major infrastructure from the federal government.
“If I see any of you at Onitsha Head Bridge celebrating that you maintained a 1950s bridge for the South-East, Holy Ghost will kpaiii you there,” he said in his church. “This country has no conscience.”
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