Connect with us

General News

FG announces two weeks closure of first Niger Bridge to effect emergency repairs

Published

on

By Our Reporter

The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to enable contractors carry out urgent rehabilitation and maintenance works on the facility.

The closure, announced by the Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, will take effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21.

The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the intervention was necessitated by the deteriorating condition of the bridge.

The bridge, an important link between Anambra and Delta states, will be completely shut to vehicular movement throughout the period of the emergency works.

Emenike urged motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi to Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond the affected route.

He said traffic diversion measures, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to minimise disruption and protect motorists, construction workers and other road users.

The statement read, “The attention of the general public, motorists and other road users is hereby drawn to the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, particularly the carriageway surface and certain bridge components affected by vandalisation, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.

“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed serious concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works to restore the facility to a safe and properly motorable condition.

“Accordingly, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 – Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on the First Niger Bridge.”

According to Emenike, the rehabilitation will include the removal of the worn-out asphalt surface and the installation of an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course.

He added that other essential maintenance and safety interventions would also be undertaken as part of the project.

The works will further include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, alongside traffic-control and diversion facilities.

Emenike said the measures were designed to provide a safer and smoother road surface, enhance the bridge’s usability and ease traffic challenges around the First Niger Bridge axis.

He said the emergency intervention would be undertaken continuously, including night operations, in an effort to complete the work within the shortest possible period.

The statement added, “The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, September 21, 2026.

“In view of the nature and urgency of the intervention, motorists and other road users are hereby advised and directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period.

“Appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures will be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.

“Motorists are strongly advised to obey all temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions; approach the construction and diversion zones with caution; reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking; and follow the directions of traffic-control personnel and security agencies.

“Allow additional travel time and plan their journeys accordingly; and where practicable, use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi-Asaba as the preferred alternative route.

“The emergency maintenance intervention will run from Monday, 7th September 2026, for a period of approximately two weeks, with construction activities being undertaken day and night to facilitate rapid completion and minimise the duration of traffic disruption.

“The Federal Ministry of Works appreciates the cooperation, patience and understanding of all road users, residents, businesses and other stakeholders who may be affected by the temporary traffic diversion.

“The temporary inconvenience is highly regretted. However, the intervention has become necessary in the overriding public interest, particularly to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and to improve the free flow of traffic along this critical national transportation corridor.

“The public is therefore urged to cooperate fully with the traffic-management arrangements throughout the period of the works. Your cooperation will help us complete the work faster.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” the statement added.

General News

NNPC announces nationwide N66 fuel discount for fuel bought through app

Published

on

By Our Reporter

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commenced a nationwide promotional campaign offering customers a ₦66 discount on fuel purchases made through its NNPC Fuel App.

The promotion, which began on October 1, will run until October 7 at NNPC filling stations across the country.

NNPC announced the initiative in a post on its X handle on Friday, saying customers had already started taking advantage of the offer at various stations.

“The ₦66 Discount Promo is ongoing & the excitement is already happening across our stations nationwide!

“All over Nigeria, our customers are getting in on the action & there’s still time for you to benefit!

The promo runs from 1–7 October on the NNPC Fuel App,” the post read.

The company said activities had commenced at several of its stations nationwide, with highlights from the first day of the promotion shared with the public.

NNPC urged motorists and other customers to continue using the Fuel App for their transactions throughout the seven-day campaign in order to benefit from the discount.

“Keep fueling, keep transacting and keep your eyes on our pages,” the post read.

The national oil company also said it would continue to release pictures and updates from participating stations as the promotion progresses.

Customers have been advised to take advantage of the offer before the promotional period ends on October 7.

The ₦66 discount applies to eligible transactions made through the NNPC Fuel App during the promotion.

Continue Reading

General News

Hardship: Public servants begin three-day warning strike

Published

on

By Our Reporter

Public servants across Nigeria have commenced a three-day warning strike following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council over what the workers described as worsening economic and mental hardship.

The industrial action, which began at midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026, is expected to run through Sunday, October 4.

The council directed its national and state leadership to mobilise workers for the action, with the directive contained in a circular dated October 1 and signed by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga.

The circular urged the council’s leadership to ensure that the strike notice reached workers across the country.

The decision, according to the council, followed the Federal Government’s alleged failure to respond to demands earlier presented to President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated September 21, 2026.

READ ALSO:Unions reject TUC suspension of strike, demand reversal of King’s College concession

Explaining the commencement of the industrial action, the council stated, “Consequent upon the above, the strike shall start with effect from midnight on Friday, 2nd October, 2026 to Sunday October 4th, 2026.”

The council called on public servants at the federal, state and local government levels to participate in the warning strike, saying the action was aimed at drawing attention to the economic difficulties confronting workers and their dependants.

It stated, “In the same vein, all public servants in the services of federal, state and local governments are to join the warning strike because an injury to one is an injury to all, most especially, all workers, their dependants, vulnerable and hapless Nigerians are groaning terribly under the present economic hardship.”

The JNPSNC further expressed concern over the impact of the economic situation on workers, saying, “The economic and mental hardships are becoming unbearable and frustrating.”

It also directed its leaders to commence immediate mobilisation for the industrial action, declaring, “The time to act and mobilise workers for the three-day warning strike is now!!!”

The warning strike comes against the backdrop of demands earlier submitted by the council to the Federal Government for measures to ease the pressure of rising living costs on workers.

Among the demands were a reduction in the price of petrol, an immediate wage award for workers and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

The council had reportedly asked the Federal Government to bring down the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, approve an immediate wage award and constitute a tripartite committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage.

The demands followed continued concerns over the declining purchasing power of workers amid increases in the prices of essential commodities, transportation and other household needs.

In its latest circular, the council urged its members to circulate the strike notice and expressed optimism about the outcome of the industrial action.

“Please, disseminate the information!!! Surely, there is victory for us!!!” the circular added.

The council maintained that the warning strike would proceed as scheduled, with public servants across the federal, state and local government services expected to take part.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Labour were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Continue Reading

General News

Olokoro Community Eulogises NDPHC MD/CEO Adighije for School Renovation, Development Projects

Published

on

Johnchuks Onuanyim, Abuja

The people of Olokoro Clan in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State have showered encomiums on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for executing key development projects in the community, including the comprehensive renovation of a block of classrooms at Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara.

The community described the projects as landmark interventions that have not only improved learning conditions for students but also reinforced Adighije’s commitment to grassroots development and community service.

Speaking during the commissioning of the projects on Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration, community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and youth organisations hailed Adighije as a worthy ambassador of Olokoro whose contributions have brought honour and development to the clan.

The projects commissioned include the renovation of a classroom block at Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara Olokoro, and the landscaping and installation of modern 3D flooring at the Olokoro Clan Headquarters Complex in Ahiaukwu.

The event attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, government representatives, community stakeholders and indigenes who turned out to celebrate what many described as a historic day for the clan.

In his remarks, the Federated President-General of the Olokoro Clan Development Union (OCDU), Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe, commended Adighije for her dedication to the welfare of her people and for consistently identifying with the aspirations of the community.

He noted that the renovation of the school facility would significantly improve the learning environment for students and contribute to educational development in the area.

Umekwe urged community members to safeguard and maintain the facilities, while offering prayers for greater accomplishments in Adighije’s public service career.

Speaking shortly before commissioning the renovated classroom block, Adighije attributed the successful execution of the projects to God’s grace and the productive partnership between the community and government institutions.

She assured the people that her intervention in the school would not end with the renovation, announcing plans to undertake solar electrification of the classroom block as the next phase of support.

According to her, quality education remains critical to community development and nation-building, stressing that investments in educational infrastructure are investments in the future of young people.

She also pledged to continue collaborating with the leadership of the OCDU to identify and execute additional projects that would improve the living conditions of residents.

The community further applauded the NDPHC boss for her contributions to youth empowerment, employment opportunities and other initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of Olokoro people.

Traditional rulers, women leaders, youth representatives and elders who spoke at the event described Adighije as a role model and a source of inspiration to younger generations, noting that her achievements in engineering, public service and community development have made the clan proud.

In an emotional response during a grand reception held in her honour at the Olokoro Clan Headquarters, Adighije thanked the people for their overwhelming support and goodwill.

She reaffirmed her commitment to serving humanity and promoting the development of Olokoro, assuring residents that she would continue to contribute her quota to the progress of the community whenever the opportunity arises.

Her father, Senator Chris Adighije, also expressed gratitude to the people of Olokoro for the honour accorded his family and pledged continued support for initiatives that would advance the development of the clan.

The event featured cultural performances by students of Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara, and was attended by prominent traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders from across Olokoro Clan.

Continue Reading

Trending