Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that pictures of President Bola Tinubu be displayed on the rehabilitated First Niger Bridge. The bridge, which connects Anambra and Delta states, is set to reopen to motorists next week. Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works on the bridge. He stated that the display of the President's pictures would recognise his efforts on infrastructure development.
The First Niger Bridge was closed in September for emergency rehabilitation after vandalised structural components were discovered. The closure was initially scheduled to end on September 21 but was extended due to persistent rainfall. Umahi said the ministry would not be pressured into reopening the bridge before necessary structural work was completed. The rehabilitation includes work on CCTV cameras, streetlights, the carriageway and walkways, as well as replacement of damaged bolts and expansion joints.
Umahi also banned dredging activities around the bridge, warning that they could compromise its structural integrity. He expressed satisfaction with the rehabilitation, stating that the bridge was not just healthier but would last longer. The minister thanked the governments of Anambra and Delta states for their cooperation during the rehabilitation and apologised to motorists for the inconvenience caused by the closure.
The minister made a case for Tinubu's re-election in 2027, urging the South-East not to "throw away" its votes. He challenged supporters of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi to identify what he had attracted to the region. Umahi stated that he had a bragging right in Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and was proud of his accomplishments.
Umahi ordered the removal of illegal advertisements from the bridge and their replacement with pictures of President Tinubu. He said anyone who wants to advertise should apply to the Ministry of Works. The minister also said that the bridge would be decorated with the President's pictures to reward his hard work.
The Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, praised Umahi's commitment to the rehabilitation. Additional work on the bridge would include painting the kerbs and metal components and reconstructing the entrance and exit with concrete. Only one carriageway would initially reopen, with work continuing on the other side after the concrete on the first section had attained the required strength.
Umahi said the ministry would write to the security chiefs to request that checkpoints 200 metres from the bridge be removed, as they cause traffic and are not good for the bridge's health. He also said the ministry would write to the governors of Anambra and Delta states to seek closer monitoring of scrap markets due to concerns over vandalism of public infrastructure.
Key points
- Umahi orders display of President Tinubu's pictures on First Niger Bridge
- The bridge is set to reopen to motorists next week
- Umahi makes a case for Tinubu's re-election in 2027
