Following public outcry, the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, have received attention, as the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, announced two weeks closure of the bridge to allow for rehabilitation and maintenance works.
Daily Intel Newspaper recalls a viral video online in which a concern motorist lamented the deplorable state of the bridge and called for immediate government intervention to avoid a total collapse.
Daily Intel Newspaper also observed the disrepair and neglected state of the bridge.
However, in a statement on Friday, the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, announced that the bridge, which connects motorists from Anambra and Delta states, will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Emenike, advised motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond throughout the closure period.
The statement read, “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 vandalisation, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.
“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Minister of Works, David 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 Carriageway, has been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on the First Niger Bridge.”
According to him, the intervention would principally involve 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.
He also listed the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, as well as the installation and deployment of appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures, as some of the works to be carried out at the bridge.
He added that the objective was to restore a safe, smooth and durable riding surface, improve motorability and significantly reduce the traffic difficulties currently experienced around the First Niger Bridge axis.
“The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, September 21, 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 barriers, 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.
“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; and follow the directions of traffic-control personnel and security agencies.
“Allow additional travel time and plan their journeys accordingly; and where practicable, use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi-Asaba as the preferred alternative route.
“The emergency maintenance intervention will run from Monday, 7th September 2026, for a period of approximately two weeks, with construction activities being undertaken day and night to facilitate rapid completion and minimise the duration of traffic disruption.
“The Federal Ministry of Works appreciates the cooperation, patience and understanding of all road users, residents, businesses and other stakeholders who may be affected by the temporary traffic diversion.
“The temporary inconvenience is highly regretted. However, the intervention has become necessary in the overriding public interest, particularly to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and to improve the free flow of traffic along this critical national transportation corridor.
“The public is therefore urged to cooperate fully with the traffic-management arrangements throughout the period of the works. Your cooperation will help us complete the work faster.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” the statement added.
