The Federal Government has announced a two-week closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to allow for emergency repair and rehabilitation works.

The closure, according to the Federal Ministry of Works, will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21, 2026.

The announcement was contained in an official statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, and signed by the State Controller, Timothy Emenike.

The planned repair follows concerns over the deteriorating condition of the bridge, particularly its carriageway surface and critical components reportedly damaged by vandals.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had during a recent inspection of the bridge expressed concern over the theft of bolts, iron rods and other structural components by scavengers.

According to the ministry, portions of the expansion joint steelworks, stanchion and steel truss nuts and bolts were among the components affected by vandalism.Umahi subsequently directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance works to restore the bridge to a safe and motorable condition.

The ministry said Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway project, had been directed to immediately begin work on the First Niger Bridge.

Motorists Directed to Use Second Niger BridgeDuring the two-week closure, motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states and other destinations beyond the Niger are expected to use alternative routes.

The Federal Ministry of Works advised road users to divert through the Second Niger Bridge route via Obosi towards Asaba and other destinations throughout the maintenance period.

The ministry said appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to guide motorists and ensure public safety.

Motorists were also urged to obey all temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce speed around construction zones and avoid reckless overtaking.

Scope of Repair WorksThe emergency maintenance project will involve the milling and removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface on the bridge.

The ministry said a new approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course would be laid, alongside other necessary maintenance and safety works.

The project will also include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras to improve security and monitor activities around the bridge.

The CCTV surveillance system is expected to help security agencies monitor and prevent further vandalism of critical bridge infrastructure.

The Federal Government said traffic-control and diversion measures would also be strengthened to reduce congestion and traffic difficulties usually experienced around the First Niger Bridge axis.

The ministry added that contractors would work day and night to ensure the repairs are completed within the scheduled two-week period.

While apologising to motorists, businesses and other road users for the inconvenience the closure may cause, the ministry said the intervention was necessary to strengthen the integrity of the bridge and guarantee the safety of commuters.