The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge to vehicular traffic for two weeks to allow urgent repair and maintenance works.
An official press release by the ministry’s field office in Anambra, signed by the State Controller, Mr Timothy Emenike, noted that the bridge would be closed for two weeks, starting Monday, 7 September 2026.
The release 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 steelworks and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.
“During his recent working visit to Anambra State. the Honourable Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, expressed 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 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on the First Niger Bridge.
“The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, 7” September 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, 21st September 2026. In view of the nature and urgency of the intervention, motorists and other road users are hereby advised and directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period.
“Appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures will be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.
“Motorists are strongly advised to obey all temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, approach the construction and diversion zones with caution, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking.”
The Federal Ministry of Works said the intervention is necessary to address defects on the bridge and ensure continued safe use by motorists.
To reduce the impact of the closure, the government said the road beside the Shagamu-bound carriageway would be made motorable to serve as a complementary route during the repair period.
Motorists have also been advised to plan their journeys and use available alternative routes to avoid delays and congestion.
The First Niger Bridge remains a major transport link between communities in the South-East and South-South regions, carrying significant volumes of passengers and goods daily.
The Federal Government urged road users to cooperate with traffic management officials and comply with diversion arrangements throughout the repair period.
