FG Orders Two-Week Closure Of First Niger Bridge

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, has announced the closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha for two weeks to allow for urgent rehabilitation works.

In a press statement signed by the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, the crucial link connecting Anambra and Delta states will be shut down from Monday, September 7, 2026, to Monday, September 21, 2026.

Emenike advised commuters and transport operators to navigate through the Second Niger Bridge route via Obosi toward Asaba and other destinations during the maintenance window.

He assured that safety barriers, temporary road signs, and traffic control personnel will be deployed across the corridor to guide drivers and prevent congestion.

The controller highlighted that the closure became necessary following a site visit by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who raised concerns over vandalized expansion joints, missing truss bolts, and damaged carriageway surfaces.

Messrs SKECC has been tasked with executing the emergency repairs, which include removing worn-out asphalt, laying a fresh 40mm wearing course, and restoring structural stability.

The rehabilitation project will also feature the installation of solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras to enhance security and visibility across the bridge axis.

“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,” Emenike stated.

He urged road users to exercise caution, avoid reckless overtaking, and plan their trips ahead to accommodate potential travel delays.

“In view of the nature and urgency of the intervention, motorists and other road users are hereby advised and directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period,” the statement added.

“Appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures will be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public,” he noted.

Motorists were further advised to “obey all temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions; approach the construction and diversion zones with caution; reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking; and follow the directions of traffic-control personnel and security agencies.”

Travelers should also “allow additional travel time and plan their journeys accordingly; and where practicable, use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi-Asaba as the preferred alternative route.”

The Ministry confirmed that construction crews will work day and night shifts to ensure the project meets the two-week completion target.

“The emergency maintenance intervention will run from Monday, 7th September 2026, for a period of approximately two weeks, with construction activities being undertaken day and night to facilitate rapid completion and minimise the duration of traffic disruption,” Emenike explained.

“The Federal Ministry of Works appreciates the cooperation, patience and understanding of all road users, residents, businesses and other stakeholders who may be affected by the temporary traffic diversion,” the statement conveyed.

Acknowledging the inconvenience to commuters, the controller added, “The temporary inconvenience is highly regretted. However, the intervention has become necessary in the overriding public interest, particularly to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and to improve the free flow of traffic along this critical national transportation corridor.”

“The public is therefore urged to cooperate fully with the traffic-management arrangements throughout the period of the works. Your cooperation will help us complete the work faster,” Emenike concluded.