ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow emergency rehabilitation and maintenance works on the facility.
The closure, which takes effect from Monday, September 7, will last until September 21, 2026, according to the Federal Ministry of Works.
The ministry, through its Anambra State Field Headquarters, directed motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond throughout the period.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the intervention became necessary following the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge.
According to him, parts of the carriageway surface and some bridge components, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion or steel-truss nuts and bolts, had been affected by deterioration and vandalisation.
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Punch reports that the decision followed a recent inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who expressed concern over its condition and directed that emergency repairs commence immediately.
Emenike said Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000-Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had consequently been directed to undertake the emergency works.
He said the rehabilitation would involve removing the deteriorated asphalt surface and laying approximately 40mm of fresh asphalt wearing course, alongside other maintenance and safety works.
The intervention will also include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, as well as traffic-control and diversion facilities.
The ministry said the objective was to restore a safer and smoother riding surface, improve the bridge’s motorability and ease the traffic difficulties experienced around the axis.
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Emenike said the works would be carried out day and night to ensure rapid completion and minimise the period of disruption.
He advised motorists to plan their journeys ahead, allow additional travel time and, where possible, use the Second Niger Bridge through the Obosi-Asaba route as their preferred alternative.
He also urged road users to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce speed around construction zones and avoid reckless overtaking.
Traffic-control personnel and security agencies, he said, would be deployed alongside road signs, safety barriers and other measures to guide motorists and protect road users, construction workers and other members of the public.
The ministry appealed to residents, businesses and other stakeholders affected by the diversion to cooperate with the traffic-management arrangements.
It said the temporary inconvenience was necessary in the public interest, particularly to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and improve traffic flow along the critical transportation corridor.