The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to allow for urgent maintenance and rehabilitation works on the facility.
The Federal Ministry of Works, through its Anambra State Field Headquarters, said the bridge would be closed to traffic for two weeks, beginning Monday, September 7, 2026, with the repair works expected to be completed on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The decision followed an inspection visit to the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the structure, including damage caused by vandalism.
According to a statement signed by the Anambra State Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, parts of the bridge’s expansion joint steelworks, stanchion and steel truss nuts and bolts had been affected by vandalism, while the carriageway surface had also deteriorated.
The ministry said Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had been directed to immediately commence the emergency intervention.
During the closure, motorists and other road users have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond.
The ministry said traffic diversion measures, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to minimise disruptions and protect motorists, construction workers and other members of the public.
The rehabilitation will involve the milling and removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface, followed by the laying of approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, alongside other structural maintenance and safety works.
As part of efforts to prevent further vandalism, the ministry said solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras would also be installed on the bridge to improve surveillance and monitor activities around the facility.
Additional traffic-control and diversion measures will be introduced to improve vehicular movement and reduce congestion around the First Niger Bridge axis.
The ministry disclosed that the repair works would be carried out day and night to ensure timely completion.
It appealed to motorists and businesses affected by the closure to bear with the inconvenience, stressing that the intervention was necessary to restore the bridge to a safe and properly motorable condition and strengthen its structural integrity.
