The planned reopening of the First Niger Bridge to vehicular traffic has been delayed after persistent rainfall disrupted ongoing rehabilitation works on the bridge.
The bridge was scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026, following a two-week closure announced by the Anambra State Government to allow the Federal Ministry of Works to carry out emergency maintenance and rehabilitation.
However, Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Timothy Emenike, said the repairs had not been completed and motorists would have to wait longer before traffic could resume.
Emenike, who disclosed this during a telephone conversation, said some sections of the work were affected by heavy rainfall, with parts of the reconstruction reportedly washed away.
He appealed to motorists and other road users for patience, saying the weather conditions had made it difficult for workers to complete the remaining repairs and finishing works.
According to him, the ministry needs at least three consecutive days of dry weather to complete the outstanding work and prepare the bridge for safe reopening.
The delay follows two weeks of restricted vehicular movement on the First Niger Bridge, forcing motorists to rely mainly on the Second Niger Bridge and other alternative routes.
The closure has led to longer travel times and increased transportation costs for commuters using routes between Onitsha and Asaba.
The First Niger Bridge is being rehabilitated as part of efforts by the Federal Ministry of Works to address defects on the ageing structure and improve its safety and durability.
The state government had initially announced that the bridge would be closed from September 7 to September 21, 2026, to allow the emergency maintenance work to be carried out.
A new reopening date has not been announced as of Monday.
