First Niger Bridge Shutdown: FG Sets Two-Week Emergency Repair Operation, Diverts Traffic

The Federal Government has announced the full closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to enable emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works on the critical bridge linking Anambra and Delta states.

According to the Federal Ministry of Works, the closure will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, with the bridge expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Timothy Emenike, Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters. The ministry said the intervention became necessary because of deterioration affecting the bridge’s carriageway and some of its structural components.

Part of the concern involves damage linked to vandalism, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and nuts and bolts associated with the bridge’s stanchions and steel truss.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, reportedly raised concerns about the condition of the facility during a recent working visit to Anambra State and directed that emergency maintenance should commence without delay.

The contract for the emergency intervention has been assigned to SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway. The planned work includes removing the deteriorated asphalt surface and laying approximately 40mm of new asphalt wearing course.

Beyond the resurfacing, the intervention will include other maintenance and safety works, as well as the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras. The CCTV component is expected to strengthen surveillance around the bridge and help address vandalism concerns.

The ministry has directed motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and onward destinations during the closure. Traffic diversion measures, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel are expected to be deployed around the affected areas.

Road users have also been advised to plan their journeys ahead, allow additional travel time, obey temporary traffic signs, reduce speed around construction and diversion zones and avoid reckless overtaking. The ministry said the precautions are intended to protect motorists, construction workers and other members of the public.

The Federal Ministry of Works said the emergency operation would be carried out day and night to accelerate completion and limit the period of disruption. While acknowledging the inconvenience the closure may cause commuters, businesses and residents, the ministry said the intervention is necessary to restore the bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and improve movement along the important transportation corridor.