First Niger Bridge: FG Announces Two-Week Closure for Emergency Repairs

The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works on the critical infrastructure.

The closure will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and the bridge is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement signed by the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike.

The First Niger Bridge connects Anambra and Delta states and serves as a major transportation link for motorists travelling between the South-East, South-South and other parts of the country.

During the closure, motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, as the preferred alternative route.

The Federal Ministry of Works said the intervention became necessary following the deteriorating condition of the First Niger Bridge, particularly sections of the carriageway and components reportedly affected by vandalisation.

The ministry said Works Minister David Umahi expressed concern over the bridge’s condition during a recent visit to Anambra and directed the immediate commencement of emergency rehabilitation.

The contractor handling the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, Messrs SKECC, has consequently been directed to undertake the emergency works.

The rehabilitation will include removing the deteriorated asphalt surface and laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, alongside other maintenance and safety works. Solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras are also expected to be installed.

To manage traffic during the closure, the ministry said diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed around the affected areas.

Motorists have been urged to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce speed, avoid reckless overtaking and follow directions from traffic-control personnel and security agencies.

The ministry said construction activities would take place day and night to accelerate completion and minimise the disruption to road users.

It appealed to motorists, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the traffic-management arrangements, stressing that the temporary inconvenience was necessary to restore the bridge to a safer and more efficient condition.

Motorists using the Onitsha–Asaba corridor are therefore advised to plan ahead and consider the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi–Asaba throughout the two-week closure period.