First Niger Bridge to close for 2 weeks for emergency repairs — FG

The Federal Ministry of Works will close the First Niger Bridge between September 7 and September 21, 2026, to enable emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the deteriorated bridge.

The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this during an interview in Awka on Friday, September 4, 2026.

The closure will affect motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states, with the Federal Government advising road users to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba and other destinations during the maintenance period.

What he is saying

Emenike advised motorists and commuters to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations during the period of the maintenance and closure.

He said appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures would be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.

• “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 vandalisation, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.”
• “During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed serious 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 – 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, September 7, 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, September 21, 2026.”

The Federal Government said the closure is necessary to allow the emergency intervention to be carried out and restore the bridge to a safe and properly motorable condition.

More details

Emenike said the intervention would principally involve milling and removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying approximately 40mm of asphalt wearing course, and carrying out associated maintenance and safety works on the bridge.

• The works will include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras.
• Appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures will also be installed and deployed during the intervention.
• Emenike said the objective is to restore a safe, smooth and durable riding surface, improve motorability and significantly reduce traffic difficulties around the First Niger Bridge axis.
• Motorists were advised to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, approach construction and diversion zones with caution, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking.

Emenike also urged motorists to allow additional travel time and, where practicable, use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi-Asaba as the preferred alternative route.

What you should know

The Federal Government officially commenced the construction of a 17.55-kilometre access road to the Second Niger Bridge in Asaba in March 2025.

• The project is part of the Phase 2A development of the Second Niger Bridge.
• The access road is intended to connect the South-South and South-East regions.
• The Federal Government said the strategic project would foster economic growth and national integration.

The government urged the public to cooperate fully with the traffic-management arrangements throughout the period of the emergency works.