By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State, to enable emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the ageing bridge.
The closure, which will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, is expected to last for two weeks, while the bridge is expected to reopen on Monday, September 21.
The Anambra State Field Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works announced the development on Friday, citing the deteriorated condition of some components of the bridge as well as recent acts of vandalism that have affected critical parts of the structure.
The decision followed a recent inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, during which he expressed concern over the removal of some major bolts, nuts and iron members from the facility by scavengers, popularly known as “iron condemn” or metal scrap dealers.
According to the Anambra State’s Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Timothy Emenike, portions of the expansion joint steelworks, stanchions, steel truss nuts and bolts have been affected by the vandalism, alongside deterioration of sections of the carriageway.
He said the Minister, during his recent working visit to Anambra, directed the immediate commencement of emergency intervention to restore the bridge to a safe and properly motorable condition.
Emenike added that the contractor handling the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, had consequently been mobilised to undertake the emergency works.
The intervention will include the removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface through milling and the laying of about 40mm asphalt wearing course, as well as repairs to other damaged bridge components and associated safety works.
The Ministry also disclosed plans to install solar-powered streetlights and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on the bridge, in part to strengthen security and assist in monitoring activities around the facility.
The latest development follows an earlier directive by Minister Umahi for the immediate repair of vandalised portions of the bridge after he observed that some bolts, nuts and an overhead steel member had been removed.
The minister had also directed the replacement and welding of the affected components, while announcing that the bridge would be resurfaced and temporarily shut to allow the work to be executed, particularly during night operations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has directed motorists who would ordinarily use the First Niger Bridge to divert through the Second Niger Bridge during the closure period.
The approved diversion will take motorists through the Obosi axis towards Asaba and onward to other destinations in Delta State and beyond.
Emenike said adequate traffic management arrangements would be put in place to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and construction workers throughout the exercise.
While noting that road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed at strategic points to guide motorists along the diversion routes, he further urged motorists to obey temporary traffic signs and instructions from traffic-control personnel, reduce their speed around construction and diversion areas, and avoid reckless overtaking.
According to the ministry, the rehabilitation works will be carried out during both daytime and nighttime operations in a bid to complete the intervention within the scheduled two-week closure period.
The Ministry acknowledged that the closure could cause inconvenience to businesses, commuters and other road users who depend on the bridge, but said the intervention was necessary to address the deteriorating sections and strengthen the facility for safer use.
More photos and video from the Bridge:
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