The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works.
The Federal Ministry of Works, through its Anambra State Field Headquarters, said the bridge would be completely shut to motorists from Monday, September 7, 2026, with reopening scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike.
The bridge, which provides a major link between Anambra and Delta states, is being closed to enable contractors to carry out urgent repairs on its deteriorated carriageway and other damaged components.
Emenike advised motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond during the closure.
He said traffic diversion measures, including road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel, would be deployed to manage movement and protect motorists, construction workers and members of the public.
The statement said the First Niger Bridge had suffered deterioration, particularly along its carriageway, while some components had also been affected by vandalisation.
“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.”
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According to Emenike, the rehabilitation will include removing the existing deteriorated asphalt surface and laying approximately 40mm of asphalt wearing course, alongside other maintenance and safety works.
The project will also involve the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, as well as traffic-control and diversion infrastructure.
The ministry said the intervention was designed to provide a safer and more durable road surface, improve the bridge’s motorability and ease traffic challenges around the First Niger Bridge axis.
“The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by 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.
“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 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 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 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.