The Federal Government will close the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State on Monday, September 7, for two weeks to enable emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the critical national transport corridor.
The Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, said the bridge, which links Anambra and Delta states, is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, motorists and other road users were advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond during the closure.
Emenike said appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures would be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction workers and members of the public.
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He said the closure followed the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, particularly its carriageway surface and some bridge components affected by vandalism.
“The attention of the general public, motorists and other road users is hereby drawn to the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, particularly the carriageway surface and certain bridge components affected by vandalism, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.
“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed serious concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works to restore the facility to a safe and properly motorable condition.
“Accordingly, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 – Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on the First Niger Bridge.”
Emenike said the intervention would principally involve milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying approximately 40 millimetres of asphalt wearing course, and carrying out associated maintenance and safety works on the bridge.
He said the work would also include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, as well as appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures.
According to him, the intervention is aimed at restoring a safe, smooth and durable riding surface, improving motorability and reducing traffic difficulties around the First Niger Bridge axis.
“In view of the nature and urgency of the intervention, motorists and other road users are hereby advised and directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period.
“Appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures will be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.
“Motorists are strongly advised to obey all temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions; approach the construction and diversion zones with caution; reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking; and follow the directions of traffic-control personnel and security agencies.
“Allow additional travel time and plan their journeys accordingly; and where practicable, use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi-Asaba as the preferred alternative route.”
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the emergency maintenance intervention would run for approximately two weeks, with construction activities being carried out day and night to facilitate rapid completion and minimise traffic disruption.
“The temporary inconvenience is highly regretted. However, the intervention has become necessary in the overriding public interest, particularly to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and to improve the free flow of traffic along this critical national transportation corridor.
“The public is therefore urged to cooperate fully with the traffic-management arrangements throughout the period of the works. Your cooperation will help us complete the work faster.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” he added.
