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

The closure will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement signed by the ministry’s Anambra State Controller, Timothy Emenike.

The decision followed an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during his recent visit to the state. The inspection identified deterioration on the carriageway and damage to bridge components caused by vandalism, including stolen bolts and iron rods.

The ministry said SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had been directed to immediately begin the emergency works.

During the closure, motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and onward to other destinations.

The planned repairs include milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface, laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course and carrying out other structural, maintenance and safety works.

The ministry also plans to install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras to improve surveillance and deter further vandalism on the bridge.

Traffic diversion measures, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel will be deployed during the construction period. Motorists have been urged to obey temporary traffic signs, reduce speed and exercise caution around diversion and construction zones.

The ministry said the work would be carried out day and night to accelerate completion. It apologised for the inconvenience the closure may cause motorists and businesses, saying the intervention was aimed at restoring the bridge’s integrity and ensuring safer movement of traffic.