The First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, which will be temporarily closed for emergency maintenance from September 7 to 21, 2026.
The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the critical transport corridor.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, to Monday, September 21, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, following an inspection of the First and Second Niger Bridges by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
According to the ministry, the emergency intervention became necessary due to the deteriorated condition of the bridge’s carriageway and damage to some of its structural components.
Some of the affected components include portions of the expansion-joint steelwork as well as nuts and bolts on the bridge’s stanchion and steel-truss structures, with some damage attributed to vandalism.
The ministry has directed SKECC, the contractor handling the 0+000–20+000 kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, to immediately commence the rehabilitation works.
Repairs to Include Resurfacing, Streetlights and CCTV
The intervention is expected to include the removal of deteriorated asphalt and the laying of a new asphalt wearing course to improve the riding surface and motorability of the bridge.
The rehabilitation will also include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras to improve visibility, enhance surveillance and help deter further vandalism.
The ministry said construction activities will be carried out during both the day and night because of the urgency of the intervention and the need to complete the work within the scheduled period.
Motorists Advised to Use Second Niger Bridge
During the closure, motorists travelling from Onitsha towards Delta State and other destinations have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi and Asaba.
Traffic-control measures, including appropriate signs, barriers and personnel, are expected to be deployed to guide motorists and reduce congestion around the affected corridor.
Road users have been advised to plan their journeys ahead, allow additional travel time and obey traffic and diversion instructions throughout the repair period.
The First Niger Bridge is an important transportation link connecting Anambra and Delta states and serves as a major corridor between the South-East and other parts of Nigeria.
The Federal Government said the emergency works are aimed at restoring the bridge to a safer and properly motorable condition while reducing the duration of disruption to road users.
The bridge is expected to reopen to traffic on Monday, September 21, 2026, subject to completion of the scheduled intervention.