The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the imminent closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, the Anambra State capital , for emergency repairs.
In a statement on Friday, the ministry’s Acting Controller in Anambra State, Mr Timothy Emenike, stated that the bridge will be closed to traffic for two weeks, starting from Monday, September 7, 2026, while the maintenance work is expected to be completed on September 21.
The ministry announced the decision after the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, inspected the First and Second Niger bridges and discovered defects on the First Niger Bridge.
The statement informed that the defects in the bridge were identified as deterioration of the carriageway surface, including vandalisation of the bridge components, particularly portions of the expansion joint steelworks and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.
Following the development, the minister of works, David Umahi directed that emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works be embarked on to restore the bridge to a safe and motorable state.
The statement further stated that, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had been directed to commence the emergency works.
The ministry appealed to all road users to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other routes throughout the closure period.
It assured that it would deploy appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, and traffic-control personnel to guide motorists and protect road users and construction workers around the infrastructure.
It called on motorists to observe temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce their speed and avoid reckless overtaking around construction and diversion zones.
According to the statement, “The repair works will include milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface, laying approximately 40mm of asphalt wearing course, and other associated maintenance and safety works.”
The ministry added that solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras would be installed to improve security and monitor activities of vandals on the bridge
The ministry seized the occasion to apologize to motorists for the inconveniences the closure may cause,while stressing that the repair works would be carried out day and night to ensure timely completion with necessary intervention.
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