The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the reopening of the First Niger Bridge on Thursday, restoring the vital link between Onitsha, Anambra State and Asaba, Delta State, following the completion of rehabilitation works.

The bridge, built in 1965, was shut to traffic on September 7 to allow for emergency repairs after inspectors discovered damaged structural components, including vandalised steelwork around its expansion joints.

The closure, originally scheduled to end on September 21, was extended due to persistent rainfall and other delays. Its reopening is expected to restore normal traffic flow for motorists travelling between the two states after weeks of disruption.

At the reopening ceremony, Umahi praised the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure investment in the South-East and South-South, drawing a comparison between ongoing work on Lagos’s Third Mainland Bridge and rehabilitation efforts on the Second Niger Bridge and other major crossings.

He said further projects would soon extend to other parts of Anambra State, citing presidential approval for the dualisation of the Oba-Okigwe Expressway.

The minister also addressed the 2027 election, voicing confidence in President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress while criticising Labour Party’s 2023 candidate Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement. He attributed the South-East’s limited support for Tinubu in 2023 to the region’s treatment under the previous administration, predicting stronger backing in the next election. Umahi additionally stated that no individual or group has the right to erect billboards on federal highways without proper authorisation.

The reopening event featured photographs of Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, alongside APC banners on the bridge railings.

Repainting of the railings and road markings was still underway, and new closed-circuit television cameras had been installed at several points on the bridge.

The Federal Government has dismissed reports of an impending nationwide electricity tariff increase, assuring Nigerians that it has no plans to raise electricity charges across the country.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe issued the clarification amid growing speculation that consumers could soon face another hike in their bills.

He maintained that the government had no intention of introducing a nationwide tariff increase, seeking to reassure households and businesses already concerned about the rising cost of electricity.

The clarification comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with the cost of essential services and the broader affordability of power supply.

The minister’s statement is expected to ease fears among electricity users who worried that a fresh tariff increase would add further strain to household budgets and business operating costs.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has dismissed reports alleging that the voters’ register was not displayed at some registration centres in Alimosho and Shomolu Local Government Areas.

The commission maintained that the display exercise was conducted across all 245 Registration Areas (wards) in the state, including those in the two local government areas.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Lagos, Esther Emeh, described the report as false.

The clarification followed a report by Arise TV alleging that the voters’ register was not displayed at some registration centres in Alimosho and Shomolu.

INEC urged members of the public to disregard the report, insisting that the exercise covered all 245 wards in Lagos State.

“The news alleging that the display of the Register of Voters did not take place at some Registration Area centres in Alimosho and Shomolu Local Government Areas is false,” Emeh said.

She urged residents to obtain electoral information through the commission’s official communication channels to avoid being misled by inaccurate reports.

The commission also called on media organisations and journalists to verify information with credible and authoritative sources before publication.

INEC stressed that responsible journalism and accurate reporting were essential to preventing misinformation and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, credible elections and the timely dissemination of accurate information to the public.