The Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, on Friday announced a two-week closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha.
The development is to effect the commencement of repair works, including the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to help monitor activities within and along the bridge effectively at all times.
Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, during his visit to the bridge last week, inspected the vandalized section of the bridge, with several bolts and iron rods stolen.
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However, a statement by the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, which was signed by the State Controller, Mr Timothy Emenike, and made available to newsmen in Awka on Friday, said the bridge would be closed for two weeks.
It disclosed that movement by motorists and pedestrians along the bridge would be stopped from Monday, 7 September 2026.
According to the statement, “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 vandalization, including portions of the expansion joint steelworks and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.”
The Works Ministry stated that, “During his (Minister’s) recent working visit to Anambra State. the Honourable Minister of Works. Sen Engr David Nweze Umahi, expressed serious 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 Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carageway 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 barners, 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,” it said.
“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.”
The ministry said part of the work to be done on the bridge include; Milling/removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying of approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, and necessary associated maintenance and safety works on the bridge.
Also, the maintenance will include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor activities of vandals on the bridge, installation and deployment of appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures to ensure safety, smooth driving, and significantly reduce the traffic difficulties currently experienced around the First Niger Bridge axis.
The ministry said the work would be done day and night to ensure speed, and apologised for the inconveniences this may cause businesses and road users, promising to strengthen the integrity of the bridge for the safety of all.
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