The Federal Government has ordered the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works.
The Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, said the bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike.
The First Niger Bridge connects motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states.
During the closure, motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond.
The ministry said traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other safety measures would be deployed throughout the period to protect motorists, construction workers and other road users.
Bridge Deterioration Triggers Emergency Works
The ministry said the First Niger Bridge had deteriorated, particularly along the carriageway surface and some bridge components affected by vandalisation.
These include portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.
During a recent working visit to Anambra State, Minister of Works David Umahi expressed concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency rehabilitation works.
According to the ministry, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to commence the intervention.
The works will include milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface, laying approximately 40mm of asphalt wearing course, and carrying out associated maintenance and safety works.
The ministry also listed the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, alongside traffic-control and diversion measures, among the planned interventions.
It said the work is aimed at restoring a safe, smooth and durable riding surface, improving motorability and reducing traffic difficulties around the First Niger Bridge axis.
Motorists Urged To Plan Ahead
The Federal Ministry of Works said construction activities will run day and night to facilitate rapid completion and minimise traffic disruption.
Motorists have been advised to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, approach construction zones cautiously, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking.
They were also urged to follow the directions of traffic-control personnel and security agencies, allow additional travel time and, where practicable, use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi-Asaba as the preferred alternative route.
The ministry said the temporary inconvenience was regretted but described the intervention as necessary in the overriding public interest to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and improve traffic flow along the critical national transportation corridor.
It appealed to motorists, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the traffic-management arrangements throughout the two-week closure.
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