By Isaac Mission
The Federal Government has announced a temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, as emergency rehabilitation works are set to begin on the major transport link.
According to the Federal Ministry of Works, the bridge will be shut to motorists from Monday, September 7, 2026, with the intervention expected to last until Monday, September 21, 2026.
The decision follows an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, during a recent visit to Anambra State. The inspection reportedly revealed damage to parts of the structure, including sections affected by vandalism.
In a statement issued by the ministry's Anambra State Field Headquarters and signed by the State Controller, Timothy Emenike, officials said the bridge had suffered deterioration to its carriageway as well as damage to some structural components.
The ministry said vandals had removed bolts, iron rods and other metal components from parts of the bridge, prompting the government to order urgent intervention.
Motorists advised to use Second Niger Bridge
During the closure, motorists travelling between Onitsha and destinations towards Asaba and beyond have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge.
Traffic will be diverted through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, with authorities promising to provide directional signs, traffic-control personnel, safety barriers and other measures to manage the diversion.
The ministry urged motorists to comply with temporary traffic instructions, drive cautiously around construction areas and avoid speeding or dangerous overtaking.
What the repairs will involve
The emergency rehabilitation is expected to include the removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface on the bridge and the laying of a new asphalt wearing course of approximately 40mm.
Other maintenance and safety-related works will also be carried out as part of the intervention.
The government further plans to install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras on the bridge. The surveillance equipment is intended to help monitor the facility and discourage further vandalism.
The contractor handling the Km 0+000 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, SKECC, has been directed to commence the emergency works.
Work to continue day and night
Officials said construction activities would take place during both daytime and nighttime in an effort to complete the repairs within the two-week period.
The ministry acknowledged that the closure could create difficulties for commuters, businesses and other road users but said the intervention was necessary to improve the safety and structural condition of the bridge.
Authorities appealed to the public for patience and cooperation throughout the closure, stressing that the objective is to restore the bridge to a safe and fully motorable condition.