FG Shuts First Niger Bridge for Two Weeks Over Emergency Repairs
FG Shuts First Niger Bridge, Onitsha
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 bridge will be closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, said the closure was necessary to enable urgent repairs to the deteriorated bridge infrastructure.
The ministry advised motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states and other destinations beyond to use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi towards Asaba throughout the closure period.
According to Emenike, traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other safety measures would be deployed to guide motorists and protect road users, construction workers and the public.
The ministry said the First Niger Bridge had deteriorated significantly, particularly its carriageway surface and some bridge components affected by vandalisation, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel-truss nuts and bolts.
It said the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed concern over the condition of the bridge during a recent working visit to Anambra State and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works.
Consequently, SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha–Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to commence the emergency works.
The intervention will involve 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 said the project would include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, alongside traffic-control and diversion measures.
It said the works are aimed at restoring a safe, smooth and durable riding surface, improving motorability and easing traffic difficulties around the First Niger Bridge axis.
The ministry said construction activities would run day and night to accelerate completion and minimise disruption to traffic.
Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly, allow additional travel time, obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce speed, avoid reckless overtaking and follow directions from traffic-control personnel and security agencies.
The Federal Ministry of Works appealed to motorists, residents, businesses and other stakeholders for patience and cooperation during the temporary diversion, stressing that the intervention was necessary in the public interest to restore the bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and improve traffic flow along the critical national transportation corridor.
