Why FG Ordered Two-Week Closure of Onitsha Niger Bridge

The Federal Government has ordered the two-week closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, following the deteriorated condition of the bridge and the need for urgent rehabilitation and maintenance works.

The bridge will be closed to traffic from September 7 to September 21, 2026, to enable emergency repairs, the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, announced.

According to Emenike, the intervention became necessary because of the deteriorated carriageway surface and damage to some components of the bridge, including parts that have been vandalised.

Among the vandalised components are portions of the expansion-joint steelwork as well as stanchion and steel-truss nuts and bolts.

The condition of the bridge had also raised concern during a recent inspection by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who subsequently directed the immediate commencement of emergency rehabilitation works.

What FG Will Repair

The emergency rehabilitation will focus primarily on restoring the deteriorated road surface and improving the safety and motorability of the bridge.

The Federal Ministry of Works said the contractor, SKECC, which is handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu dual carriageway, has been directed to undertake the emergency works.

The rehabilitation will involve milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface before laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course.

The ministry also plans to install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras as part of measures to improve safety and monitoring around the bridge.

Traffic-control and diversion measures will equally be introduced to protect motorists and construction workers throughout the rehabilitation period.

The government said construction activities would be carried out day and night to accelerate the work and minimise the period of disruption to road users.

Alternative Route for Motorists

With the First Niger Bridge closed, motorists travelling from Anambra towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi.

Traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel will be deployed to guide motorists and manage traffic during the closure.

The Federal Government has urged motorists to obey temporary traffic signs, reduce their speed around construction zones and follow instructions from traffic-control personnel and security agencies.

Motorists have also been advised to allow extra travel time for their journeys and use the Second Niger Bridge through the Obosi-Asaba route where possible.

The Onitsha Niger Bridge remains a major transport link between Anambra and Delta states, connecting the South-East with other parts of the country.

The Federal Government apologised for the inconvenience the closure may cause, saying the emergency intervention is necessary in the public interest to restore the bridge to a safer and more efficient condition.

The government also appealed to motorists, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the temporary traffic-management arrangements throughout the rehabilitation period.