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First Niger Bridge reopened after more than five weeks of emergency rehabilitation following concerns over damaged structural components.
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Works Minister David Umahi says repairs included structural interventions, road markings, solar-powered lighting, CCTV cameras and traffic-management measures.
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Federal Government cancels remedial contract covering the first 11 kilometres of the deteriorating Benin–Asaba Expressway over concerns about the quality of work.
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President Bola Tinubu orders a comprehensive redesign and reconstruction of the strategic highway amid persistent complaints from motorists.
October 16, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Asaba, Delta State, with Onitsha, Anambra State, after weeks of emergency rehabilitation, as it cancelled a remedial contract on the troubled Benin–Asaba Expressway and ordered a comprehensive redesign of the highway.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, reopened the bridge on Thursday, October 15, following the completion of rehabilitation works undertaken to address damaged components and improve safety on the strategic crossing.
The bridge, one of the busiest gateways between the South-East and South-South, had been closed to traffic from September 7 after defects requiring urgent attention were identified.
Although the Federal Government initially targeted September 21 for reopening, the closure was extended following persistent rainfall and delays that affected the pace of rehabilitation.
Umahi said the intervention went beyond repairs to damaged components, with additional safety and security measures introduced on the bridge.
The rehabilitation included improved road markings, solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras and traffic-management facilities intended to enhance visibility, security and movement across the bridge.
Its reopening is expected to provide immediate relief to motorists, commercial transporters and businesses that endured weeks of disruptions and diversions while the rehabilitation lasted.
Benin–Asaba Road Gets Fresh Intervention
However, the Federal Government raised fresh concerns over the adjoining Benin–Asaba Expressway, another critical transport corridor linking Edo and Delta states and serving traffic heading towards the South-East.
Umahi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed a comprehensive redesign of the expressway ahead of its reconstruction, following persistent concerns about its deteriorating condition.
The Works Minister also announced the cancellation of an existing remedial contract covering the first 11 kilometres of the highway, citing dissatisfaction with the quality of work delivered.
The decision signals a shift from temporary repairs towards a more extensive reconstruction of the corridor, which has for years attracted complaints from motorists over failed portions, difficult driving conditions and prolonged travel times.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented at the reopening ceremony by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended the Federal Government for completing the emergency intervention on the bridge.
The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, also welcomed the rehabilitation and reopening of the bridge.
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Background
The First Niger Bridge, commissioned in 1965, has for decades served as a crucial road connection across the River Niger between Asaba and Onitsha and remains a major artery for passengers, traders and freight moving between southern Nigeria’s major commercial centres.
Pressure on the old bridge was partly eased by the opening of the Second Niger Bridge to traffic, but the First Niger Bridge continues to carry substantial local and interstate traffic.
The Benin–Asaba Expressway is equally strategic, connecting Benin City with Asaba and feeding traffic towards Onitsha and other parts of the South-East.
Its poor condition has generated repeated complaints from commuters and transport operators, putting successive government interventions under scrutiny.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
