The Nigeria Government will temporarily close the more than 50-year-old First Niger Bridge for seven days to enable major rehabilitation works, including the replacement of vandalised structural components and installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced this on Friday during an on-the-spot inspection of Nigeria Government road projects in Anambra State.
He said traffic would be diverted to the Second Niger Bridge during the closure to facilitate the rehabilitation.
“Seven days from today, we are going to close the First Niger Bridge and traffic will be diverted to the Second Niger Bridge so that we can install the solar lights and the CCTV,” Umahi said.
During an earlier inspection, the minister raised concerns over the vandalisation of critical bridge components, including bolts, expansion joints and iron bars.
He described the situation as dangerous, saying the Nigeria Government had commenced efforts to restore the bridge and strengthen security around the facility.
“We will restore the First Niger Bridge to the same quality as the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. That is the message and directive of Mr President,” he said.
Umahi said the CCTV system would be linked to security monitoring infrastructure on the Second Niger Bridge, enabling security personnel to monitor activities around the bridge and prevent further vandalism.
He also directed the removal and replacement of accumulated asphalt on the bridge, which he said had contributed to traffic congestion.
The minister said the rehabilitation formed part of broader efforts to improve major road corridors linking the South-East with other parts of the country.
On the Second Niger Bridge access road, officials said construction was progressing from multiple fronts to accelerate completion.
The project passes through parts of Anambra State, including Obosi, Nkpor, Ogidi and Ogbunike, and is being executed across several sections. Additional workspaces are expected to be provided to contractors.
The Anambra Commissioner for Works, Okey Ezeobi, said the Anambra Government was finalising arrangements to provide contractors with additional right of way, including an additional five-kilometre stretch.
Umahi also directed contractors working on sections of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to prioritise the rehabilitation of failed portions before undertaking further asphalt or concrete works.
He directed that affected sections be measured and milled before repairs, while night work should be considered to minimise disruption to traffic.
The minister further ordered the clearing of drainage systems and directed that the Federal Road Safety Corps and local traffic management authorities be involved in traffic control during the rehabilitation.
On politics, Umahi urged residents of the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying continued support would help sustain Nigeria Government infrastructure projects in the region.
He criticised what he described as frequent claims of marginalisation by some social media content creators whenever infrastructure challenges arise in the region.
According to him, the Tinubu administration has undertaken significant road projects in the South-East and on major routes linking the region with other parts of the country.
“I was a governor, a deputy governor and party chairman, and never in the history of the South-East did we witness even five per cent of what we are witnessing now. All our roads are being fixed and we are taking them for granted,” he said.
Umahi urged residents to base their political decisions on what he described as mutual interests rather than regional sentiment.
“South-East people must vote for the president in 2027,” he said.
He also urged the region to avoid “regional politics, hatred and sentiment”, arguing that political support should be based on broader national interests.
The minister expressed confidence that Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election, saying political forces supporting the President were working together in Anambra.
He also referred to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as “our brother” and said political differences should not be personalised.
Umahi’s comments come as political parties and prospective presidential contenders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The minister also assured contractors handling Nigeria Government projects that outstanding certificates for completed works would soon be processed for payment.
