The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the complete closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha for two weeks to enable emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the facility.

The closure will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21, with motorists directed to use the Second Niger Bridge throughout the period.

The announcement follows last week’s visit by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who inspected sections of the bridge affected by vandalism, including areas where bolts and other steel components had reportedly been removed.

In a statement signed by the Anambra State Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, the ministry said the bridge’s carriageway surface and some structural components required urgent attention.

“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 statement said.

It added that Umahi, during his recent working visit to Anambra State, expressed serious concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works.

According to the ministry, SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to undertake the emergency repairs.

“The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, 7th September 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, 21st September 2026,” the ministry said.

“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.”

The ministry said traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to guide motorists during the closure.

It urged motorists to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce speed around construction and diversion zones and avoid reckless overtaking.

The planned works include milling and removal of deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course and carrying out associated maintenance and safety works.

The rehabilitation will also include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras to monitor activities on the bridge and deter vandalism.

According to the ministry, appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures will also be deployed to improve safety, ease movement and reduce traffic difficulties around the First Niger Bridge axis.

It said work would continue during the day and at night to accelerate completion of the project.

The ministry apologised to businesses, motorists and other road users for the inconvenience expected during the closure, saying the intervention was necessary to strengthen the bridge’s integrity and improve safety

(Arise News)