•Niger Bridge, Onitsha
The much-anticipated reopening of the First Niger Bridge to vehicular traffic has been delayed as persistent rainfall has hampered the ongoing maintenance works on the ageing bridge.
Although the two-week closure period is expected to end today, the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, disclosed, in a telephone conversation, that motorists will have to wait a little longer as the rehabilitation has not been completed.
According to Emenike, some sections of the reconstruction were reportedly affected and washed away by the rains, reports Channels TV.
The ministry’s official is appealing for patience from commuters and other road users, explaining that the weather has made it difficult to complete the required finishing works, hoping that three consecutive days of sunshine will provide the window needed to complete the outstanding works and prepare the bridge for safe reopening.
The delay comes after two weeks of complete restriction of vehicular movement on the bridge, during which motorists have had to rely largely on the Second Niger Bridge and other diversionary routes.
Restriction of vehicular movement on the bridge had resulted in longer journeys and increased transport costs for commuters, as pedestrians contend with the difficulties associated with navigating alternative routes.
While the rains persist, focus has since shifted from the earlier reopening deadline to completing the rehabilitation before traffic is restored.
The state government had earlier said closure would be from September 7 to 21, 2026, to facilitate emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works by the Federal Ministry of Works aimed at restoring the bridge to a safer and more durable condition.
