The Federal Government says the First Niger Bridge, linking Anambra and Delta states, is expected to reopen next week after emergency rehabilitation work.
The bridge was closed earlier this month after vandalism damaged critical components, including bolts, nuts and parts of the expansion-joint system.
Minister of Works David Umahi said the repairs had made significant progress but stressed that the government would not reopen the bridge until essential safety work was completed.
The closure had created additional pressure on motorists using alternative routes in the region.
The bridge is an important transport link for southeastern and southern Nigeria, carrying commercial traffic and connecting communities on both sides of the Niger River.
Officials say additional works are being carried out, including structural inspections, repainting, improved lighting and the installation of surveillance infrastructure.
The vandalism has also raised concerns about the protection of major public infrastructure.
Authorities have urged communities to report suspicious activity and called for closer monitoring of scrap markets where stolen metal components could potentially be sold.
For businesses and motorists, reopening the bridge should ease some of the transport difficulties created by the closure.
But the episode has also raised a broader question about how Nigeria protects infrastructure that has already consumed significant public resources.
News Desk: Infrastructure protection is ultimately a shared responsibility involving government agencies, communities and road users.
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