September 24, 2026
The Global Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for the Federal Government’s intervention in the rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge.
The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation said the progress recorded on the bridge demonstrates what focused government attention, technical supervision and urgency can achieve when critical infrastructure requires immediate intervention.
Following its assessment of the rehabilitation works, Ohanaeze described the intervention as significant, particularly given the strategic importance of the First Niger Bridge to transportation, commerce and regional economic integration.
The bridge was closed from September 7 for emergency rehabilitation after vandalised structural components, including bolts, nuts and portions of the expansion-joint steelwork, were discovered. The initial September 21 reopening target was affected by persistent rainfall and additional structural works. The latest reports indicate that the rehabilitated phase is expected to reopen next week, while further works continue.
Ohanaeze said its message is straightforward: Ndigbo appreciate decisive government action when infrastructure emergencies arise, but will equally speak up where other critical infrastructure requires urgent attention.
First Niger Bridge: A Strategic Gateway
According to Ohanaeze, the First Niger Bridge is more than a physical link across the River Niger.
For generations, it has served as a major transportation artery connecting the South-East and South-South, supporting the movement of passengers, agricultural produce, manufactured goods and commercial activities.
The organisation noted that when the bridge suffers, regional commerce suffers, and when it is strengthened, economic connectivity is strengthened.
It therefore welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention while urging that the rehabilitation be seen as part of a long-term commitment to maintenance, structural monitoring and preservation.
Ohanaeze Commends Tinubu For Intervention
Ohanaeze placed on record its appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s attention to the emergency condition of the First Niger Bridge.
The organisation said critical infrastructure requires timely intervention before deterioration becomes a greater threat to public safety and economic activity.
The rehabilitation has included replacement of vandalised bolts and other structural components, while additional works ordered by the Ministry include repainting, lighting, CCTV surveillance and further structural assessment.
Ohanaeze particularly welcomed the emphasis on safety before reopening.
Its position is that public infrastructure should be repaired for durability and safety, rather than reopened merely to meet a timetable.
Ohanaeze Applauds Umahi’s Inspection-Driven Approach
The organisation also commended Senator David Umahi for his direct supervision of the rehabilitation.
During his September 23 inspection, Umahi reported substantial progress, including the replacement and securing of vandalised bolts and the arrival of the specialised expansion joint for installation. He also directed further structural assessment of the bridge above and below water level.
The Minister further ordered additional solar-powered streetlights and the completion of CCTV cameras, with the surveillance system to be linked to the Second Niger Bridge.
For Ohanaeze, the development reinforces a broader lesson: infrastructure security must be part of infrastructure development.
A bridge repaired today, it said, must not be allowed to deteriorate tomorrow because of vandalism, inadequate surveillance or poor maintenance.
From Emergency Repairs To Preventive Maintenance
Ohanaeze said the history and strategic importance of the First Niger Bridge show why critical infrastructure should not be addressed only when deterioration reaches emergency levels.
The organisation therefore urged the Federal Government to move increasingly from emergency repairs to preventive infrastructure management, involving regular maintenance, structural monitoring and timely intervention.
Ohanaeze Turns Attention To Owerri–Aba Expressway
Having acknowledged the intervention on the First Niger Bridge, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has appealed to President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works to give the Owerri–Aba Expressway similar urgent attention.
The organisation said the condition of sections of the corridor has become a serious concern to motorists, transport operators, traders, manufacturers, commuters and other road users.
According to Ohanaeze, the Federal Government’s recent interventions on other critical corridors demonstrate that deteriorating infrastructure can receive focused technical attention when circumstances demand it.
It said the Owerri–Aba corridor now requires the same seriousness.
Why Owerri–Aba Expressway Matters
Ohanaeze described the Owerri–Aba corridor as an economically important highway connecting major commercial, industrial, administrative and transportation centres.
Aba is a major commercial and manufacturing centre in the South-East, while Owerri remains an important administrative, business, hospitality and transportation hub.
The organisation said the highway supports commercial transportation, movement of manufactured and agricultural goods, inter-city trade, small and medium-sized businesses, industrial activities, tourism, hospitality, daily commuting and wider regional economic integration.
It warned that road deterioration ultimately transfers additional costs to the public through increased vehicle maintenance, longer travel times, higher logistics costs, possible increases in transport fares and greater exposure to hazardous driving conditions.
“The Owerri–Aba Expressway is not merely a local road issue. It is an economic and national infrastructure issue,” Ohanaeze stated.
Ohanaeze Appeals To Umahi To Inspect Owerri–Aba
Ohanaeze also appealed directly to Senator David Umahi to undertake an on-the-spot technical inspection of the Owerri–Aba Expressway.
The organisation said a physical inspection would enable the Ministry of Works to establish:
- sections requiring emergency intervention;
- sections requiring comprehensive rehabilitation;
- drainage and pavement failures requiring correction;
- necessary traffic-safety measures;
- appropriate engineering solutions for affected sections; and
- the funding and implementation framework required for durable rehabilitation.
Ohanaeze said it was not asking the Ministry to rely solely on reports from behind a desk, but to physically inspect the road, assess the engineering challenges and take decisive action.
“First Niger Bridge Urgency Should Extend To Owerri–Aba”
The organisation described the First Niger Bridge intervention as a useful precedent for how strategically important Federal infrastructure can receive urgent attention.
Where a critical Federal asset requires intervention, Ohanaeze said, government can identify the problem, mobilise technical resources, supervise the work and establish a clear safety objective.
It therefore called for the same philosophy to be applied to the Owerri–Aba Expressway.
First Niger Bridge received urgency. Owerri–Aba now deserves urgency.
Ohanaeze stressed that the appeal is not for preferential treatment but for proportional attention to a Federal highway whose economic importance warrants serious intervention.
Ohanaeze’s Message To President Tinubu
Ohanaeze urged President Tinubu to consider the Owerri–Aba Expressway as another strategic infrastructure priority requiring the attention of the Federal Ministry of Works.
The organisation noted that infrastructure renewal is inseparable from economic development because factories, markets, farmers, traders, hospitals, tourism and families all depend on functional road networks.
A deteriorated major highway, it said, therefore imposes costs across virtually every sector of the economy.
Message To Umahi: “Visit Owerri–Aba”
Ohanaeze said Senator Umahi’s recent inspection-driven approach gives the organisation confidence that he can confront difficult infrastructure challenges directly.
It therefore urged the Minister to:
Visit Owerri–Aba.
See the condition of the road.
Listen to motorists.
Assess the engineering challenges.
Report the findings to the President.
Recommend the appropriate intervention.
And, most importantly, let road users see the same urgency demonstrated on other strategic infrastructure projects.
“Ohanaeze Will Commend Government When Government Acts”
Ohanaeze made it clear that its position is not to criticise government for the sake of criticism.
The organisation said it would acknowledge government performance, commend emergency interventions and recognise infrastructure delivery where such efforts are evident.
At the same time, where urgent infrastructure challenges remain unresolved, it said it would continue to speak on behalf of the legitimate interests of Ndigbo and the wider Nigerian public.
It described that approach as responsible civic advocacy.
The Central Message
For Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the First Niger Bridge rehabilitation demonstrates what focused government intervention can achieve.
The organisation now wants that same principle extended to the Owerri–Aba Expressway.
Its appeal is simple:
Inspect it now.
Assess it now.
Plan it now.
Repair it now.
The organisation said timely intervention would help protect lives, reduce transportation and logistics costs, strengthen commerce and preserve an important regional economic corridor.
Ohanaeze’s Key Messages
“The First Niger Bridge has shown what urgency can achieve; Owerri–Aba should now receive the same urgency.”
“Ndigbo are grateful for action on the Niger Bridge, but gratitude must not silence legitimate demands for further infrastructure intervention.”
“The Owerri–Aba Expressway is not merely a road; it is an economic corridor connecting people, markets and businesses.”
“Infrastructure should not be repaired only when it becomes an emergency; it should be maintained before emergencies occur.”
“If safety is the priority on the First Niger Bridge, safety must equally be the priority on Owerri–Aba.”
“Ohanaeze commends where government acts and speaks firmly where government must do more.”
Final Declaration
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide once again expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator David Umahi for the intervention on the First Niger Bridge.
The organisation recognised the progress recorded and welcomed the Ministry’s continued emphasis on safety and structural integrity before reopening.
However, Ohanaeze said the work of infrastructure renewal must continue.
The Niger Bridge has received attention. Now Owerri–Aba deserves attention.
The organisation therefore called on President Tinubu and Senator Umahi to make the Owerri–Aba Expressway a matter of urgent technical assessment and intervention.
“Ndigbo are not asking for favour. Ndigbo are asking for safe roads, durable infrastructure and fair attention to a strategic Federal highway.”
That, Ohanaeze said, is the appeal, the expectation and the responsibility of government to the people.
Signed:
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
Prof. Chibuikeya Achoakawa
Ag. Secretary General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide
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