FG shuts First Niger Bridge for two weeks

The Federal Government has ordered the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to enable emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works on the critical link between Anambra and Delta states.

The closure will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and the bridge is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, according to the Federal Ministry of Works.

The ministry’s Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Timothy Emenike, announced the development in a statement on Friday, directing motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi to Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond.

The intervention follows concerns over the deteriorating condition of the First Niger Bridge, particularly its road surface and some structural components reportedly affected by vandalisation.

The ministry said portions of the bridge’s expansion-joint steelwork, as well as nuts and bolts on its stanchion and steel truss, had been damaged.

Works Minister David Umahi reportedly raised concerns about the condition of the bridge during a recent visit to Anambra and directed that emergency repairs commence immediately.

The contractor handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, SKECC, has consequently been instructed to undertake the rehabilitation.

The works will include removing the deteriorated asphalt surface and laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, alongside other maintenance and safety interventions.

The ministry also plans to install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras at the bridge.

Emenike said the repairs were intended to provide a safer and more durable carriageway, improve the movement of vehicles and ease congestion around the bridge axis.

He said traffic-management personnel, road signs, safety barriers and other measures would be deployed to guide motorists throughout the closure.

Motorists were advised to reduce their speed around diversion points, avoid reckless overtaking and comply with instructions from traffic-control officials and security agencies.

The ministry also urged travellers to make adequate plans and allow extra time for their journeys during the two-week closure.

It said construction would take place both during the day and at night to accelerate completion and reduce the period of disruption.

The Federal Ministry of Works appealed to residents, businesses and other road users affected by the closure to cooperate with the traffic-diversion arrangements.

It said the temporary disruption was necessary to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition, given its importance to transportation and economic activities along the corridor.