The Federal Government will close the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra state for two weeks from Monday for emergency repairs.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the closure will run from 7th to 21st September, with motorists advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi and Asaba, Delta State.
The ministry said the decision followed an inspection by Works Minister David Umahi, who raised concerns about the condition of the bridge.
It said the carriageway surface had deteriorated, while some bridge parts had been damaged or removed through vandalism.
“The attention of the general public, motorists and other road users is hereby drawn to the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge,” the ministry said.
The affected parts include sections of the expansion-joint steelwork and some nuts and bolts on the bridge’s steel structure.
The ministry said SKECC, the contractor handling part of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway project, had been directed to begin the emergency work.
The repairs will include removing the damaged asphalt and laying about 40 millimetres of new asphalt. Other maintenance and safety work will also be carried out.
The government will also install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras to improve security and help prevent vandalism.
The ministry said the work would be carried out day and night to reduce the period of traffic disruption.
“The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026,” the ministry said.
It also urged motorists to obey diversion signs, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking around construction areas.
The ministry acknowledged that the closure would cause “temporary inconvenience” but said the work was necessary “to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition.”
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