First Niger Bridge Will Stay Closed Until Repairs Are Done, Umahi

The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, has said that the First Niger Bridge will not reopen until all major repairs are finished.

Umahi made this known on Wednesday at the Onitsha Bridge Head after checking the ongoing repair work on the bridge that connects Anambra and Delta.

He stated that the Federal Government will not rush to reopen the bridge until all important structural parts identified for repair are properly fixed.

"We are not going to be rushed to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved," Umahi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the bridge was closed for emergency repairs after discovering damaged parts, such as bolts, nuts, and sections of its expansion-joint steelwork.

The closure, which was supposed to end on September 21, has been extended by one week because of continuous rainfall affecting the repair work.

Umahi praised the contractor, SKECC, for the progress made, saying the damaged bolts had been replaced and secured.

He mentioned that the specialized expansion joint stolen from the bridge has also been made and brought into the country for installation.

The minister called the quality of work done in about 10 days commendable but emphasized that the bridge would not reopen if it compromises safety.

Umahi instructed the contractor to add more repair work, including repainting the bridge’s structural parts, caps, and internal carriageway areas.

He also ordered the removal of illegal ads placed on the bridge and the installation of more solar-powered streetlights.

The minister directed the completion of CCTV cameras on the bridge, linking the surveillance system to the Second Niger Bridge.

He further ordered a thorough check of the bridge’s structural parts above and below the water to assess their condition.

Umahi said the assessment report should be given to him before finishing the current phase of repairs.

On the bridge approaches, Umahi directed a review of the use of asphalt, stating that concrete should be used in areas that will be reconstructed later.

He explained that this would save the government from spending money on asphalt that could be damaged during the reconstruction of the approaches.

Umahi said one lane could be opened after the concrete is strong enough while work continues on the other lane.

Speaking for the governors of Delta and Anambra, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Delta Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, thanked the Federal Government for their support.

Aniagwu recalled that Umahi inspected the bridge on August 28 and ordered the replacement of the damaged bolts, nuts, and expansion-joint parts.

He said these orders have been carried out, adding that sections of the bad asphalt surface have also been repaired.

"We are pleased with the speed of work. We also appreciate our people who showed a lot of patience, knowing you are looking out for their safety," Aniagwu said.

He noted that the repairs have greatly improved the condition of the bridge and expressed confidence that the work will last.