The Federal Government has ordered the closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha from September 7 to September 21 for urgent maintenance and rehabilitation works.
The Federal Government 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 Federal Ministry of Works said the closure would begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to end on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, September 4.
According to the ministry, the intervention became necessary following the deteriorating condition of the bridge, particularly its carriageway surface and some structural components affected by vandalism.
The affected components include portions of the expansion-joint steelwork, as well as nuts and bolts on the bridge’s stanchions and steel trusses.
The ministry said the Minister of Works, David Umahi, raised concerns over the condition of the bridge during a recent inspection and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works.
SKECC, the contractor handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to undertake the emergency works.
Emenike advised motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations throughout the closure period.
He said traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users and construction workers.
Emenike also appealed to motorists to cooperate with traffic authorities and obey diversion signs to minimise inconvenience during the maintenance period.
He said the repair works would be carried out day and night to facilitate their speedy completion and allow the First Niger Bridge to return to safe and efficient use as soon as possible.
The First Niger Bridge is a major transport link between Anambra and Delta states and serves motorists travelling between the South-East and other parts of Nigeria.
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