The Federal Government has announced a two-week closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, to allow emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works following the deterioration of the bridge and reported vandalism of some of its components.

The Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, said the First Niger Bridge closure would begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and end on Monday, September 21.

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The decision followed an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, during a recent working visit to Anambra State.

The inspection revealed damage to sections of the bridge, including the theft of bolts and iron rods by scavengers.

In a statement signed by the Anambra State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works, Timothy Emenike, the ministry said the intervention was necessary to restore the bridge to a safe and motorable condition.

“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 vandalism,” the statement said.

The affected components include portions of the expansion joint steelworks and nuts and bolts on the stanchion and steel truss.

Following Umahi’s directive, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been ordered to commence emergency maintenance works on the bridge immediately.

During the closure, motorists travelling through the area have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond.

The ministry said traffic diversion arrangements would be put in place, including road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel.

It urged motorists to comply with temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce their speed around construction zones and avoid reckless overtaking.

The Federal Ministry of Works said the repair programme would involve milling and removing the deteriorated asphalt surface before laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course.

Other associated maintenance and safety works will also be carried out as part of the intervention.

The rehabilitation programme will also introduce additional security measures aimed at preventing further vandalism.

According to the ministry, solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras will be installed on the bridge to monitor activities and help deter vandals.

Traffic-control and diversion infrastructure will also be deployed to improve safety and reduce congestion around the First Niger Bridge axis.

The ministry said the emergency works would be carried out during the day and at night to accelerate completion within the two-week closure period.

It apologised to businesses, commuters and other road users for the disruption caused by the closure, stressing that the immediate priority was to restore the bridge’s structural integrity and ensure the safety of motorists.

The intervention comes as the First Niger Bridge remains a major transport link connecting communities and commercial centres around Onitsha and other parts of southeastern Nigeria.

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The ministry urged road users to plan their journeys accordingly throughout the closure period and cooperate with traffic officials and construction personnel deployed along the diversion routes.