The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a total closure of the First Niger Bridge from Monday, September 7, to Monday, September 21, 2026, to enable emergency repairs on the deteriorated carriageway and other damaged components.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
He advised motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond during the period of the closure.
According to the ministry, the intervention became necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the bridge’s road surface and damage to some components caused by vandalism.
Emenike said portions of the expansion-joint steelwork, stanchion and steel truss nuts and bolts had also been affected.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, reportedly raised concerns about the state of the bridge during a recent working visit to Anambra State and directed that emergency repairs commence immediately.
Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to carry out the emergency works.
The rehabilitation will involve the removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface and laying of about 40mm of new asphalt wearing course. Other works include repairs and safety interventions, installation of solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras, as well as traffic-control and diversion measures.
The ministry said the objective is to provide a safer and smoother road surface, improve vehicular movement and reduce traffic problems around the First Niger Bridge axis.
It added that construction activities would take place both day and night to ensure speedy completion within the two-week closure period.
Emenike urged motorists to plan their journeys and allow extra travel time. He also advised road users to obey temporary traffic signs, follow diversion instructions, reduce speed around construction areas and avoid reckless overtaking.
Traffic-control personnel and security agencies will be deployed alongside road signs, safety barriers and other measures to guide motorists and protect road users and construction workers.
The ministry particularly recommended the Second Niger Bridge via the Obosi-Asaba route as the preferred alternative route during the closure.
It appealed to residents, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the traffic-management arrangements, stressing that the temporary inconvenience was necessary in the public interest to restore the bridge to a safer and more efficient condition.
(Golden Nation media )
