The Federal Government has announced the full closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works. The closure, which begins on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21, 2026, was confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Works. Motorists have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond throughout the closure period.
Reason for the Closure
The ministry said the closure became necessary following the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, particularly its carriageway surface and some bridge components affected by vandalisation. The affected components include portions of the expansion-joint steelwork as well as nuts and bolts on the stanchion and steel truss.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, the emergency intervention was ordered after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed concern about the bridge's condition during a recent working visit to Anambra State.
Repair Works and Security Enhancements
The ministry has directed SKECC, the contractor handling the 0+000–20+000km section of the Onitsha–Enugu Dual Carriageway, to undertake the emergency intervention. The planned work will include the removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface and the laying of an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, alongside other maintenance and safety works.
As part of the intervention, the Federal Government will also install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the bridge. The CCTV installation is expected to strengthen surveillance and help prevent further vandalisation of the bridge's components.
Traffic Management and Advice
To manage traffic during the closure, the ministry said appropriate diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed. Motorists have also been advised to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce their speed around construction and diversion zones, avoid reckless overtaking and allow additional travel time for their journeys.
The ministry said the emergency works would be carried out during the day and at night to speed up completion and minimise the duration of the disruption. It also apologised to motorists, businesses, residents and other road users who may be affected by the temporary closure, stressing that the intervention was necessary to restore the bridge to a safer and more efficient condition.
The First Niger Bridge is a major transport link between Onitsha in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State, making the closure likely to affect motorists travelling between the South-East and other parts of the country. For the duration of the closure, the Federal Ministry of Works has advised motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi–Asaba as the preferred alternative route.
