The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the full closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for emergency maintenance and rehabilitation.
The closure commenced on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to remain in effect until September 21.
According to the ministry, the intervention became necessary following the deteriorated condition of the bridge’s carriageway and damage to some structural components allegedly caused by vandalism.
The affected components include parts of the expansion-joint steelwork, stanchions, as well as steel-truss nuts and bolts.
As part of the rehabilitation, workers will remove the deteriorated asphalt surface and lay a new approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course. Other maintenance and safety works will also be carried out.
The Federal Government is also expected to install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras on the bridge to improve security and discourage further vandalism.
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Motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba in Delta State while the First Niger Bridge remains closed.
The ministry said adequate traffic diversion measures, including road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel, would be deployed to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of motorists and construction workers.
It added that the rehabilitation would be carried out day and night to facilitate the speedy completion of the project.
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