The First Niger Bridge closure will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, in Onitsha, Anambra State. The Federal Government will shut the bridge for two weeks to allow urgent repair and maintenance work.
The Federal Ministry of Works announced the closure in a statement signed by Timothy Emenike, the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State.
The First Niger Bridge connects Anambra and Delta states. It also carries heavy traffic between the South-East and South-South regions. Many motorists use the bridge to travel between Onitsha, Asaba and other major cities.
The ministry said the bridge now needs urgent attention. Officials want to fix the damaged areas before they create bigger safety problems for motorists and other road users.
The ministry said parts of the bridge have suffered serious wear. The carriageway surface has also deteriorated after years of heavy use.
Vandalism has added to the problems on the bridge. Some damaged areas include parts of the expansion-joint steelwork. Some stanchion and steel truss nuts and bolts have also suffered damage.
Works Minister David Umahi raised concerns about the condition of the bridge during a recent visit to Anambra State. He directed officials to begin emergency repairs without delay.
The ministry has now directed SKECC to handle the emergency work. The contractor currently works on the Km 0+000 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway.
Workers will first remove the damaged asphalt from the bridge. They will then lay about 40mm of fresh asphalt to provide a stronger road surface.
The repair team will also carry out other maintenance work on the bridge. These works will focus on areas that need urgent attention.
The ministry will install solar-powered streetlights on the bridge. Officials will also install closed-circuit television cameras to improve security and monitoring.
The government also plans to improve traffic control around the bridge. Workers will place road signs and safety barriers at key points.
Traffic-control officers will guide motorists through the affected areas. Security agencies will also support the traffic plan during the repair period.
During the First Niger Bridge closure, motorists should use the Second Niger Bridge as an alternative route.
Drivers can access the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba in Delta State. The route will also serve motorists travelling to other destinations beyond Asaba.
The Federal Ministry of Works urged drivers to plan their journeys before leaving home. Motorists should allow extra time because the diversion may increase travel time.
Drivers should also obey temporary road signs and follow instructions from traffic-control officers. They should reduce their speed near diversion points and construction areas.
The ministry warned motorists against reckless overtaking. It also urged drivers to exercise patience and avoid actions that could cause accidents or traffic delays.
The First Niger Bridge will remain closed from Monday, September 7, until Monday, September 21, 2026.
Construction teams will work during the day and at night. The ministry wants the contractor to complete the repairs quickly and reduce the period of traffic disruption.
Officials expect the project to improve the condition of the bridge. A new road surface should also provide motorists with a smoother and safer ride.
The government also expects the repairs to improve traffic movement around the First Niger Bridge axis. The new lights and security cameras should further improve safety and monitoring.
The Federal Ministry of Works has appealed to motorists, residents, businesses and other road users to cooperate during the closure.
Officials said the temporary closure will cause some inconvenience. However, the ministry stressed that the repairs have become necessary because of the condition of the bridge.
The government urged motorists to use the approved diversion route throughout the repair period. It also asked road users to follow all traffic instructions.
The ministry said cooperation from the public will help workers complete the project faster. It also expects the intervention to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more reliable condition.
The bridge remains an important transport link between Anambra and Delta states. The government hopes the emergency work will improve movement and reduce traffic problems along the busy corridor.
