NEWS
First Niger Bridge to Close for Two Weeks as FG Begins Emergency Repairs Over Vandalism
The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, as the Federal Government begins emergency repair and rehabilitation works on the major bridge linking Onitsha with Asaba and other parts of the country.
The closure, which is scheduled to commence on Monday, September 7, 2026, is expected to last for two weeks, with the bridge reopening to motorists on Monday, September 21, 2026, subject to the completion of the emergency intervention.
The development follows a recent inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of some sections of the infrastructure. The inspection also reportedly revealed significant vandalism, with scavengers removing bolts, iron rods and other critical metal components from the bridge.
The Anambra State Field Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works, in a statement signed by the State Controller, Mr Timothy Emenike, said the intervention became necessary to address both the deteriorated carriageway and vandalised bridge components before they pose greater risks to motorists and other road users.
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.”
According to the ministry, the emergency intervention will involve extensive work on the bridge’s carriageway, including the milling and removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surface.
This will be followed by the laying of approximately 40mm of new asphalt wearing course, alongside other necessary maintenance and safety works designed to improve the condition and usability of the bridge.
Beyond the immediate repairs, the Federal Government is also planning to strengthen security around the infrastructure following concerns over repeated vandalism.
The ministry said solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television, CCTV, cameras will be installed on the bridge to improve visibility at night and assist in monitoring activities, particularly those of vandals targeting critical components.
Traffic-control and diversion measures will also be deployed throughout the repair period. The objective, according to the ministry, is to protect motorists and construction workers while ensuring a smoother flow of traffic along the alternative route.
With the First Niger Bridge set to remain completely closed for two weeks, motorists have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and onward to their various destinations.
The ministry urged road users to plan their journeys ahead of the closure and comply with traffic signs, diversion instructions and directives from traffic-control personnel to minimise congestion and delays.
The First Niger Bridge remains a critical transportation link in the South-East and South-South corridor, making the planned intervention particularly significant for commercial activities, commuters and businesses that depend on the route.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the emergency repair will be carried out during both daytime and nighttime hours in an effort to complete the intervention within the scheduled two-week period.
The ministry also apologised to motorists, businesses and other road users for the inconvenience the temporary closure may cause, stressing that the repairs are necessary to restore the bridge’s integrity and improve safety.
The intervention is expected to address the immediate structural and surface concerns while also introducing additional security and traffic-management measures aimed at protecting the bridge from further vandalism and improving the overall experience of motorists using t
he important Onitsha transport corridor.