The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, as emergency rehabilitation work begins on the critical link between Anambra and Delta states.
The closure will take effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to remain in place until Monday, September 21.
For two weeks, motorists will not be permitted to use the bridge while contractors carry out urgent repairs to the structure and its road surface.
The Federal Ministry of Works announced the decision on Friday, September 4, through its Anambra State Field Headquarters.
According to the ministry, the emergency intervention became necessary because of the deteriorating condition of parts of the bridge, particularly its carriageway and some damaged components.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, said the decision followed concerns raised by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during his recent visit to the state.
The ministry subsequently directed SKECC, the contractor handling part of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway project, to commence the emergency rehabilitation.
The repair programme will focus on restoring sections of the bridge that have suffered damage and improving the condition of the road surface.
One of the major tasks will involve removing the damaged asphalt before laying a fresh asphalt wearing course measuring approximately 40 millimetres.
Contractors will also repair affected components of the bridge and undertake other maintenance works considered necessary to restore the facility.
The ministry said the intervention is intended to address the immediate deterioration and improve the safety and usability of the bridge.
The rehabilitation will also come with additional infrastructure around the bridge.
As part of the intervention, the Federal Ministry of Works plans to install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras around the facility.
The additions are expected to improve visibility and surveillance around the bridge, particularly during periods of reduced visibility and at night.
Two weeks of disruption
The First Niger Bridge is an important transport link connecting communities and businesses across Anambra and Delta states, making the temporary shutdown significant for motorists and other road users.
With the closure scheduled to run from September 7 to September 21, motorists who regularly use the bridge will need to make alternative travel arrangements during the rehabilitation period.
The Federal Government says the emergency repairs are necessary to address the bridge’s deteriorating condition before the problems become more severe.
For motorists, however, the immediate reality is straightforward: the First Niger Bridge will be closed for two weeks from Monday, September 7, 2026.
