FG Announces Two-Week Closure of First Niger Bridge For Repairs

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to allow emergency repair and rehabilitation works.

The closure, which will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, follows an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, after vandals reportedly removed bolts and iron rods from some sections of the structure.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Anambra State Field Office and signed by the State Controller, Timothy Emenike, the government said the bridge would remain closed for two weeks.

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 vandalism, including portions of the expansion joint steelworks and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.

“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, expressed 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 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on the First Niger Bridge.

“The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, 7” September 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, 21st September 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.