Mixed reactions as FG demarcates First Niger Bridge

Motorists, commuters and residents, making use of the First Niger Bridge, have continued to express divergent views on the Federal Government’s demarcation of the bridge into two distinct lanes during its ongoing rehabilitation.

The bridge was closed to traffic from September 7 to 21 to allow for emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works following the discovery of vandalised structural components, including its expansion-joint steelwork.

The closure, initially scheduled to end on September 21, was extended by one week due to persistent rainfall.

The bridge, which links Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State, was built between in 1965 with an open, single-space roadway design.

However, findings at the bridge between Sunday and Monday showed that during the ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance works being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works, led by the minister, David Umahi, construction teams began to install a central divider to split the old bridge into double lanes, thereby separating vehicles moving into Onitsha and that of Asaba.

Umahi, had during an on-the-spot inspection on the bridge last Wednesday, announced that the bridge will stay closed until major structural repairs were fully completed, adding that the demarcation and other structural works were aimed at easing traffic around the corridors and for the good of road users.

However, in separate interviews with motorists and road users around the bridge on Monday, some respondents believe the demarcation would improve and organise traffic better, adding that separating vehicles moving into Onitsha from those heading to Asaba will bring long-term order.

Others were, however, of the opinion that adding a concrete or physical divider to the structure could increase structural weight and stress, pointing out also that narrowing the lanes makes the roadway tighter and difficult to access in case of emergency.

A motorist and a resident of Asaba, Delta State, Mathew Ugar, said, “I have been making use of this bridge for over 20 years commuting from Asaba to do business at the Main Market in Onitsha. Since the closure of the bridge due to rehabilitation works, I parked my vehicle and I have been trekking across the bridge to my destination.

“This is the first time the bridge is being demarcated, separating the lanes. Narrowing down the lanes has made the roadway tighter. If a heavy truck breaks down in the middle of the demarcated path, it will block traffic completely and cause gridlocks.

“We are urging the authorities to station towing vehicles at both ends of the bridge so that if there is any emergency or a breakdown of vehicle, such would be quickly attended to.”

Another road user and public commentator, Emmanuel Eze, said, “The minister of works is an engineer, and I cannot talk down on his experience. However, proper evaluation needs to be carried out regarding the demarcation being placed from the beginning to the end of the First Niger Bridge.

“I don’t think the additional steady load created by this demarcation was considered during the original construction of the bridge.

“If a trailer breaks down in any lane, or there is a fire, accident, or any other incident, it may be difficult for other vehicles behind to manoeuvre around it. This could create an avoidable disaster. Not even an access for towing vehicles to pass in case of breakdown.

“I remember how many people lost their lives in accidents when a similar demarcation was constructed along the Enugu/Nkalagu boundary to Nkalagu junction as the other lane was impassable.

“A careful evaluation needs to be done before people start losing their lives because of a vehicle breakdown, fire, accident, or other emergencies.

“In my view, there may be no need for such a demarcation, especially since each of the lanes are not wide enough to accommodate two trucks at the same point on such a long bridge. Trucks will definitely breakdown on top of that bridge. I have witnessed that so many times.”

However, a female commercial shuttle bus operator, Lilian Uzor, said, “In my view, I believe the demarcation of the bridge into double lane will organise traffic better. Separating vehicles moving into Onitsha from those heading to Asaba will bring long-term order and decorum to the bridge.

“In other not to make it a situation of solving one problem, and at the same time creating multiple problems, a barrier should be placed at both ends of the bridge to prevent heavy duty trucks from plying the bridge.

“Heavy duty trucks should be diverted to the Second Niger Bridge that is wide enough to contain them.”

However, lending its voice to the conversation, the Federal Road Safety Corps, advised the ministry of works to give further consideration to emergency-response and traffic-management arrangements following the demarcation.

The RS5 Zonal Commanding Officer, ACM Cyril Matthew stated this at the 2026 Special Marshals Zone Conference of the Federal Road Safety Corps, held at the Special Marshals Secretariat, Sector Command, Awka, Anambra State, over the weekend.

Matthew said, “We are still discussing with the Federal Ministry of Works in the spirit of finding best possible solution and ensuring that road-safety considerations are adequately incorporated into the overall arrangement.

“We are particularly mindful of the challenges that can arise during emergency recovery operations because some of the towing equipment available to us weighs about 70 tonnes and will require sufficient operational space to manoeuvre effectively.

“We will continue to collaborate with the Ministry and other relevant stakeholders towards achieving a safe, efficient and sustainable traffic-management system around the Niger Bridge corridor,” he added.(Punch)