The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the full closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works.
The bridge will be closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, to Monday, September 21, 2026, according to the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike.
Emenike made the disclosure on Friday, September 4, urging motorists and other road users to take note of the closure and make alternative travel arrangements.
The Federal Government said the emergency intervention became necessary because of the deteriorating condition of the bridge, particularly its carriageway surface and some structural components affected by vandalisation.
According to the ministry, portions of the bridge’s expansion-joint steelwork, as well as some stanchion, steel truss nuts and bolts, have been damaged.
David Umahi, the Minister of Works, reportedly expressed concern about the condition of the bridge during a recent working visit to Anambra State and directed that emergency maintenance and rehabilitation should begin immediately.
The ministry has consequently directed SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, to commence the emergency works.
During the closure, motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states, as well as those heading to destinations beyond Delta, have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge.
The recommended route is through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, according to the Federal Ministry of Works.
The ministry said traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to guide motorists and protect road users and construction workers throughout the maintenance period.
The emergency works are expected to be completed by September 21, after which the First Niger Bridge is expected to reopen to traffic.
