The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to allow for emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works.
The Ministry of Works, through its Anambra State Field Headquarters, said the bridge would be completely closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike.
The First Niger Bridge serves as a major link for motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states and is a critical transport corridor connecting the South-East with other parts of the country.
During the closure, motorists and other road users have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge, accessing the route through Obosi towards Asaba and other destinations in Delta State.
The Federal Ministry of Works said adequate traffic management measures would be put in place throughout the rehabilitation period. These include diversion signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other measures designed to protect motorists, construction workers and members of the public.
The ministry said the decision followed concerns over the deteriorating condition of the First Niger Bridge, particularly sections of its carriageway and some structural components reportedly affected by vandalisation.
According to the ministry, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, raised concerns about the state of the bridge during a recent working visit to Anambra State and directed that emergency rehabilitation should begin immediately.
The ministry said SKECC, the contractor handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had consequently been directed to commence the emergency intervention on the bridge.
The rehabilitation will include the removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface and the laying of an approximately 40-millimetre 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 additional traffic-control and diversion infrastructure.
The Federal Government said the intervention is aimed at restoring a safer and more durable road surface, improving traffic flow and easing the difficulties currently experienced by motorists around the First Niger Bridge corridor.
Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow all traffic diversion signs and instructions during the two-week closure.
