First Niger Bridge to Close for Two Weeks Over Emergency Repairs

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for emergency repair and maintenance works.

According to the ministry’s Anambra State Field Headquarters, the bridge will be closed to traffic for two weeks, beginning Monday, September 7, 2026, with the intervention scheduled for completion on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The decision followed an inspection visit to the bridge by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, last week, during which a vandalised section of the bridge was discovered. Bolts, iron rods and other critical bridge components had reportedly been removed by scavengers.

In a statement signed by the Anambra State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works, Timothy Emenike, the ministry said the bridge had deteriorated in some areas, particularly the carriageway surface, expansion joint steelworks and sections of the stanchion and steel truss nuts and bolts.

The ministry said Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had been directed to immediately commence the emergency maintenance works.

As part of the intervention, the contractor will mill and remove the deteriorated asphalt surface and lay approximately 40mm of new asphalt wearing course. Other necessary structural, maintenance and safety works will also be carried out.

The ministry said solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras would also be installed on the bridge to improve visibility and help monitor and deter vandalism.

During the closure, motorists and other road users have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond.

The ministry said appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to guide motorists and minimise disruption.

It urged motorists to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, exercise caution around construction zones, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking.

According to the ministry, the repair works will be carried out both during the day and at night to ensure timely completion.

The Federal Ministry of Works apologized for the inconvenience the closure may cause motorists, businesses and other road users, saying the intervention is aimed at restoring the integrity of the First Niger Bridge and improving safety and traffic flow around the area.