FG Announces Two-Week Closure Of First Niger Bridge For Repair Works

The Federal Government has announced the closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to enable urgent rehabilitation works. The intervention is expected to strengthen the bridge and improve its safety.

The closure will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and the bridge is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21.

The ministry said the decision followed concerns over the deteriorating condition of the bridge, particularly its carriageway surface and structural components affected by vandalisation.

Affected components include portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion nuts and bolts. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had expressed concern over the condition of the bridge during an inspection and directed immediate intervention.

The contractor handling the affected section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, SKECC, has been directed to carry out the work.

The rehabilitation will involve milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface before laying approximately 40 millimetres of new asphalt wearing course. Associated safety works will also be carried out to improve the bridge and support smoother traffic flow.

The ministry also plans to install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras to improve security and discourage further vandalisation and protect infrastructure.

During the closure, motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states and other travellers have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba.

The Federal Ministry of Works said traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to manage traffic and protect road users and workers.

Motorists have been advised to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, approach construction areas cautiously, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking. They were advised to allow extra travel time and plan their journeys ahead to avoid delays.

The ministry said the intervention would be carried out day and night to accelerate completion and minimise disruption.

The First Niger Bridge links the South-East and South-South, carrying heavy traffic between Onitsha and Asaba.

The government appealed to residents, businesses and road users to cooperate with the arrangements, saying the inconvenience was necessary to restore the bridge to a safer condition.