Federal Ministry of Works has announced the full closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra, from Monday, Sept. 7, to allow for emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works.
The closure, expected to last two weeks, will run until Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, according to a statement signed by the Anambra State Controller of the ministry, Mr Timothy Emenike.
The ministry said the decision followed an inspection visit to the bridge by the Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, during which a vandalised section of the bridge was identified.
It said bolts and iron rods on parts of the bridge had been stolen by scavengers, affecting portions of the expansion joint steelworks and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.
The statement said the deteriorated condition of the bridge, particularly the carriageway surface and some structural components affected by vandalism, required urgent intervention.
“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the 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,” it said.
The ministry said Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had been directed to commence the emergency maintenance works.
It advised motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond throughout the closure period.
The ministry said appropriate 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.
It urged motorists to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, approach construction and diversion zones with caution, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking.
The planned maintenance will include milling and removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surfacing and laying of approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course.
Other associated maintenance and safety works will also be carried out on the bridge.
The ministry said solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras would be installed to improve security and monitor activities of vandals on the bridge.
It added that appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures would be installed and deployed to improve safety, facilitate smoother movement and reduce traffic difficulties around the First Niger Bridge axis.
According to the ministry, the repair works will be carried out day and night to ensure their speedy completion.
It apologised for the inconvenience the closure would cause businesses, motorists and other road users, while assuring the public that the intervention was aimed at strengthening the integrity of the bridge and improving its safety.
