The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to allow emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the structure.
The closure will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21, 2026.
The decision followed an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during his recent working visit to Anambra State. The minister raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of parts of the bridge, including sections affected by vandalism.
In a statement signed by the Anambra State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works, Timothy Emenike, the ministry said the affected areas include the carriageway surface, portions of the expansion joint steelworks, and stanchion and steel truss nuts and bolts that had been removed by vandals.
According to the ministry, the contractor handling the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway project, SKECC, has 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 arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to guide motorists and protect road users and construction workers.
The repair works will include the milling and removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface, followed by the laying of an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course. Other maintenance and safety works will also be carried out.
As part of efforts to prevent further vandalism, the ministry said solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras would be installed on the bridge to improve surveillance and monitor activities around the facility.
The ministry added that the repairs would be carried out day and night to ensure the project is completed within the scheduled two-week period.
It appealed to motorists and businesses in the area to bear with the temporary disruption, stressing that the intervention is aimed at restoring the bridge’s structural integrity, improving safety and easing traffic difficulties around the First Niger Bridge axis.
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