The Federal Government has announced a two-week full closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, as part of emergency maintenance works aimed at addressing structural deterioration and tackling vandalism on the major transport link.
The bridge will be closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, to Monday, September 21, 2026, with motorists directed to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi and onward to Asaba, Delta State.
The intervention follows an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during which concerns were raised over the deteriorating carriageway and the removal of critical components, including bolts, nuts and sections of steelworks.
Beyond resurfacing the bridge, the Federal Ministry of Works said the rehabilitation will introduce additional security measures designed to prevent further damage to the facility.
As part of the intervention, solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras will be installed on the bridge to improve visibility at night, monitor activities and deter vandals from tampering with structural components.
The maintenance programme will also involve milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface before laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, alongside other structural, safety and traffic-control works.
The ministry said the contractor handling the relevant section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, SKECC, had been directed to carry out the emergency intervention.
To ensure the work is completed within the two-week window, construction activities are expected to continue during both daytime and nighttime.
Meanwhile, traffic-control personnel, road signs and safety barriers will be deployed to manage the diversion and guide motorists.
The ministry urged motorists to obey temporary traffic signs, reduce speed around construction zones and avoid reckless overtaking.
While acknowledging that the closure could create inconvenience for commuters, businesses and other road users, the government said the emergency intervention was necessary to protect the bridge, improve safety and preserve its structural integrity.
The planned security upgrades also signal a broader attempt by the government to prevent vandalism from undermining investments in critical road infrastructure.
