The First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, saw free flow of vehicular traffic on Monday, following ongoing repair and maintenance work on the bridge.

The Federal Ministry of Works announced last week that it would close the First Niger Bridge for repairs after Minister of Works Dave Umahi visited the first and second bridges and detected defects, including vandalism of bolts and nuts.

According to the Acting Controller of the Ministry in charge of the state, Timothy Emenike, the first bridge would close for two weeks starting September 7, 2026. He advised road users to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond throughout the closure period.

When our correspondent visited the area, work had already commenced at the Anambra-Delta boundary of the bridge.

Security personnel and heavy-duty equipment, including trucks, caterpillars, and graders, were present and working, filling potholes, removing sand, and clearing bolts, nuts, and metal to make way for new ones.

Motorists were diverted to the Second Niger Bridge as announced, while pedestrians and a few motorcyclists used the bridge’s pedestrian section.

Reacting, Sector Commander, FRSC, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, who was on the ground to monitor traffic, said the Command has deployed personnel and materials to strategic locations to manage traffic and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement.

She said, “As you can see, the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, has been temporarily closed to motorists due to the ongoing repair and maintenance works.

“In response, personnel of RS5.3 Commands at Onitsha, Ogidi and Oraifite, in collaboration with the sector command, have deployed men and materials to strategic locations to manage traffic and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement.”

She identified the following routes as major access routes connecting to the Second Niger Bridge for vehicular movement during the closure: Nkpor New Parks – Nkpor Junction – Old Road – Obosi – Second Niger Bridge.

Other routes are Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka Flyover towards the Second Niger Bridge, as well as Atani Road through Uga Junction down to Harbour Industrial Layout, connecting to the Second Niger Bridge.

Asekhauno, however, disclosed that those already at the First Niger Bridge from Onitsha could make a U-turn under the bridge and link to the Second Niger Bridge via the Upper Iweka – Owerri Road. (The Nation)