First Niger Bridge To Reopen Next Week, Says Umahi
The minister said safety checks and major structural repairs must finish before reopening, after vandals removed bolts, nuts and expansion-joint parts.
- The Federal Government announced the First Niger Bridge will reopen next week following completion of essential rehabilitation works. Minister of Works David Umahi confirmed the timeline Wednesday after inspecting repairs on the route linking Anambra and Delta States.
- Authorities closed the bridge earlier this month after vandals removed critical structural components, including bolts, nuts, and expansion-joint steelwork. Persistent rainfall forced officials to extend the initial September 21 reopening date by one week.
- Contractor SKECC has been directed to complete additional safety upgrades, including solar lighting and CCTV installation linked to the Second Niger Bridge. Umahi stressed, "We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved."
- The directive to decorate the bridge with President Bola Tinubu's pictures sparked public debate. Arise News anchor Reuben Abati criticized the move during a Thursday morning broadcast, calling it discriminatory.
- Abati argued that displaying only President Tinubu's posters is inappropriate, suggesting all candidates deserve equal access or no political advertisements should appear. The debate reflects broader concerns about political neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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17 Articles
Umahi orders Tinubu’s pictures on First Niger Bridge after completion ends
“Once we are done with work on this bridge, I want all the illegal adverts on this bridge removed. Anyone who wants to advertise should apply to the Ministry of Works. For now, the bridge will be decorated with the pictures of President Tinubu,” Umahi said.
Umahi gives condition for reopening of First Niger Bridge
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said the First Niger Bridge will not be reopened until the major structural rehabilitation works are completed. Umahi was speaking on Wednesday at the Onitsha Bridge Head. He had visited the bridge to inspect ongoing rehabilitation works. Umahi insisted that the Federal Government will not be pressurized into reopening the […] Umahi gives condition for reopening of First Niger Bridge
First Niger Bridge won’t reopen until rehabilitation is completed – Umahi
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the First Niger Bridge will not reopen to traffic until major structural rehabilitation works are completed. Read More: https://punchng.com/first-niger-bridge-wont-reopen-until-rehabilitation-is-completed-umahi/
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