The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for emergency repairs following the deterioration of key components of the bridge and alleged vandalism by scavengers.
Politics Nigeria reports that the Federal Ministry of Works said the bridge would be completely shut to traffic for two weeks, from Monday, September 7, to Monday, September 21, 2026, to enable contractors to carry out urgent maintenance and rehabilitation works.
The decision followed an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during his recent working visit to Anambra State.
According to the ministry, Umahi raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the bridge after inspecting sections where vandals had allegedly removed bolts and iron rods.
The Anambra State Field Headquarters of the ministry, in a statement signed by the State Controller, Timothy Emenike, said the deterioration was particularly noticeable on the carriageway surface and some structural components affected by vandalism.
The affected components, the ministry said, include portions of the expansion joint steelworks as well as stanchion and steel truss nuts and bolts.
“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, expressed concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works to restore the facility to a safe and properly motorable condition,” the statement said.
The ministry disclosed that SKECC, the contractor handling the 20-kilometre section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to immediately commence the emergency intervention.
As part of the repair programme, workers will mill and remove the deteriorated asphalt surface before laying approximately 40mm of a new asphalt wearing course.
Other maintenance and safety works will also be carried out on the bridge as part of efforts to restore its structural and operational integrity.
Beyond the immediate repairs, the Federal Government said it would install solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras on the bridge.
The CCTV system is expected to strengthen surveillance and help deter and monitor vandalism, particularly the removal of critical bridge components by scavengers.
The ministry also said appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures would be deployed throughout the closure period to minimise disruption and improve safety.
Motorists travelling through the axis have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond the area.
The ministry warned motorists to comply with temporary road signs and diversion instructions, reduce their speed around construction zones and refrain from reckless overtaking.
It added that traffic-control personnel, safety barriers and other measures would be deployed to guide motorists and protect road users and construction workers.
Politics Nigeria reports that the repair works are expected to be executed both during the day and at night in a bid to complete the intervention within the scheduled two-week period.
The ministry acknowledged that the closure could cause inconvenience to motorists, businesses and residents who depend on the bridge, but said the intervention was necessary to prevent further deterioration and ensure the safety of road users.
It appealed to the public for understanding, stressing that the emergency works were aimed at strengthening the integrity of the First Niger Bridge and restoring safe and smooth movement along the strategic corridor.
