The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to allow emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works.
The Ministry of Works, through its Anambra State Field Headquarters, said the bridge will be closed to traffic for two weeks, beginning Monday, September 7, 2026. It is scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The First Niger Bridge is a major transport link connecting motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states.
In a statement issued on Friday, Acting Federal Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, advised motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond during the closure.
The ministry said traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other safety measures would be deployed to manage traffic and protect motorists, construction workers and members of the public.
The statement read:
“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 vandalisation, 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.”
Repairs to Include New Asphalt and Safety Upgrades
According to the ministry, the rehabilitation will focus mainly on removing the existing damaged asphalt surface and laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course.
Other maintenance and safety improvements will also be carried out on the bridge, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras.
The project will also include the deployment of traffic-control and diversion measures to improve safety and traffic management throughout the construction period.
The ministry said the intervention is aimed at providing motorists with a safer, smoother and more durable road surface, while improving movement and easing traffic challenges around the First Niger Bridge corridor.
Motorists Urged to Use Second Niger Bridge
The Federal Ministry of Works reiterated that the First Niger Bridge will remain completely closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, until Monday, September 21, 2026.
“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.”
Authorities said adequate measures would be put in place to guide motorists through the diversion routes.
“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 have also been advised to comply with temporary traffic signs and instructions, exercise caution around construction and diversion areas, reduce their speed and avoid dangerous overtaking.
They are expected to follow directions from traffic-control personnel and security agencies and allow extra time for their journeys.
“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.”
Works to Continue Day and Night
The ministry said the emergency rehabilitation will begin on September 7 and last approximately two weeks, with construction activities scheduled to continue during the day and night.
“The emergency maintenance intervention will run from Monday, 7th September 2026, for a period of approximately two weeks, with construction activities being undertaken day and night to facilitate rapid completion and minimise the duration of traffic disruption.”
The Federal Ministry of Works appealed to road users, residents, businesses and other stakeholders affected by the temporary closure to remain patient and cooperate with the traffic-management arrangements.
“The Federal Ministry of Works appreciates the cooperation, patience and understanding of all road users, residents, businesses and other stakeholders who may be affected by the temporary traffic diversion.
“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 ministry urged the public to cooperate with traffic-management officials, noting that compliance would help speed up the rehabilitation work.
“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,” the statement added
