First Niger Bridge to close for two weeks as FG begins emergency repairs

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for emergency repairs.

The bridge will be closed to traffic for two weeks from Monday, September 7, 2026, with the maintenance work expected to be completed on September 21.

The ministry’s Acting Controller in Anambra State, Mr Timothy Emenike, announced the closure in a statement on Friday.

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.

According to the statement, the defects included deterioration of the carriageway surface and vandalisation of bridge components, particularly portions of the expansion joint steelworks and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.

Umahi subsequently directed that emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works be carried out to restore the bridge to a safe and motorable condition.

The ministry said Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had been directed to commence the emergency works.

It 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. 

The ministry said 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.

Motorists were also urged to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce their speed and avoid reckless overtaking around construction and diversion zones.

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 also said solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras would be installed to improve security and monitor activities of vandals on the bridge.

Traffic-control and diversion measures will also be deployed as part of the intervention.

The ministry apologised to motorists for the inconvenience the closure may cause, saying the repair works would be carried out day and night to ensure timely completion.