ONITSHA, ANAMBRA – The Federal Ministry of Works has officially announced the immediate and total closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, effective today, September 7, 2026. The bridge, a critical artery connecting the Southeast to the South-South regions, will remain inaccessible to vehicular traffic until September 21, 2026, to facilitate urgent structural repairs and rehabilitation.
The decision to shut down the bridge follows an intensive assessment by ministry engineers, who identified severe deterioration in the carriageway. According to a statement released by the Ministry, the bridge’s structural integrity has been further compromised by widespread vandalism. Critical components, including expansion-joint steelwork, stanchion supports, and essential steel-truss nuts and bolts, have been stripped or damaged, posing a significant safety risk to motorists.
“This intervention is not merely routine maintenance; it is a critical safety measure,” a spokesperson for the Ministry stated. “The integrity of the bridge has been hampered by both natural wear and deliberate vandalism. We are acting now to prevent further degradation and to ensure the long-term safety of the commuting public.”
The planned scope of work is extensive. Contractors are scheduled to remove the severely deteriorated asphalt surface, which will be replaced with a new, 40mm asphalt wearing course designed to withstand heavy traffic loads. Beyond surface repairs, the Federal Government is leveraging this closure to upgrade the bridge’s infrastructure. This includes the installation of solar-powered streetlights and a comprehensive CCTV surveillance network, aimed at boosting visibility for night commuters and deterring future criminal activity or vandalism on the structure.
To mitigate the impact of the closure, the Federal Ministry of Works has implemented a robust traffic diversion strategy. Motorists traveling between Anambra and Delta States are directed to utilize the Second Niger Bridge, navigating through Obosi toward Asaba. To guide road users, the Ministry has deployed a series of road signs and safety barriers. Furthermore, traffic-control personnel have been stationed at strategic entry and exit points to manage the expected increase in vehicle volume and ensure an orderly flow of traffic.
The government has confirmed that construction will proceed on a 24-hour basis to ensure the project meets its two-week deadline. By operating both day and night, the Ministry intends to minimize the disruption to commerce and travel, which typically peaks during the work week.
While the closure is expected to cause temporary inconvenience, the Ministry has urged the public to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic officials. Security agencies have also been alerted to monitor the bridge area throughout the construction period to protect personnel and equipment, ensuring that the much-needed repairs are completed safely and on schedule.
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