The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, has announced the closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow for rehabilitation and maintenance works.
In a press statement released on Friday and signed by the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, the bridge, which connects motorists from Anambra and Delta states, will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Emenike, however, advised motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond throughout the closure period.
He said appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures would be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.
The statement read, “The attention of the general public, motorists, and other road users is hereby drawn to the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, particularly the carriageway surface and certain bridge components affected by vandalism, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.”
“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed serious concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works to restore the facility to a safe and properly motorable condition.
“Accordingly, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, have been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on the First Niger Bridge.”
According to him, the intervention would principally involve milling/removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying of approximately 40 mm asphalt wearing course, and necessary associated maintenance and safety works on the bridge.
He also listed the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, as well as the installation and deployment of appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures, as some of the works to be carried out at the bridge.
He added that the objective was to restore a safe, smooth and durable riding surface, improve motorability and significantly reduce the traffic difficulties currently experienced around the First Niger Bridge axis.
