FG Shuts First Niger Bridge For Two Weeks Over Emergency Repairs

The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to allow emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works to be carried out on the facility.

The closure will take effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21, according to the Federal Ministry of Works. The bridge links Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State and serves as a major transportation route between the South-East and other parts of the country.

The decision followed concerns over the deteriorating condition of the bridge, particularly its carriageway surface and some structural components reportedly affected by vandalisation.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, raised concerns about the state of the bridge during a recent working visit to Anambra State and directed that emergency rehabilitation works commence immediately.

The ministry has consequently directed SKECC, the contractor handling a section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, to undertake the emergency intervention.

The rehabilitation will involve milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface before laying an approximately 40-millimetre asphalt wearing course. Other necessary maintenance and safety works will also be carried out on the bridge.

The Federal Government also plans to install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras on the bridge as part of measures to improve security and discourage further vandalisation of its components.

During the closure, motorists and other road users have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba and other destinations beyond the area.

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.

Motorists have been advised to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce their speed around construction areas and avoid reckless overtaking.

The government said the emergency works would be carried out during the day and at night to accelerate completion and minimise the period of disruption.

The intervention is expected to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more durable condition while improving traffic movement along the important transportation corridor.