The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Asaba, Delta State, and Onitsha, Anambra State, following major rehabilitation works aimed at improving its safety and traffic flow. The Delta State Government disclosed this in a statement via its official X handle on Friday, October 16, following the reopening…...
The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Asaba, Delta State, and Onitsha, Anambra State, following major rehabilitation works aimed at improving its safety and traffic flow.
The Delta State Government disclosed this in a statement via its official X handle on Friday, October 16, following the reopening ceremony held in Onitsha on Thursday.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the intervention.
The statement reads in part: “The Federal Government has reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Asaba, Delta State, and Onitsha, Anambra State, after major rehabilitation to improve structural safety, security and traffic flow.”
Oborevwori described the bridge as critical to regional connectivity and economic activities, particularly the movement of people and goods between the South-South and South-East.
He said the rehabilitation would improve commuter safety, facilitate trade and strengthen social and economic ties between communities in the two regions.
The governor also acknowledged the importance of maintaining key transport infrastructure to support economic activities and ease movement across state boundaries.
Meanwhile, Umahi announced that the Federal Government had ordered a comprehensive redesign of the Benin-Asaba Expressway ahead of its reconstruction.
The minister cited the deteriorating condition of the highway as the reason for the planned redesign.
The reopening of the First Niger Bridge is expected to support movement between Delta and Anambra states, while the proposed redesign of the Benin-Asaba Expressway signals further planned intervention on a major road corridor in the region.