By Michael Ovat
The Federal Ministry of Works has announced two weeks closure of the first niger bridge Onitsha, Anambra State, for an emergency maintenance work.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka, on Friday, by the Acting Federal Controller of Works
Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Engr. Emenike Timothy.
The statement read, OFFICIAL PUBLIC NOTICE/PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC DIVERSION FOR EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE WORKS ON THE FIRST NIGER BRIDGE, ONITSHA; “The attention of the general public, motorists and other road users is hereby drawn to the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, particularly the carriageway surface and certain bridge
components affected by vandalization, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steeltruss nuts and bolts.
“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, expressed serious 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.
“Accordingly, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 – Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha –
Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on
the First Niger Bridge.
“SCOPE OF THE EMERGENCY WORKS
The intervention will principally involve:
“Milling/removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surfacing;
“Laying of approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course;
” Necessary associated maintenance and safety works on the bridge; Installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras
“Installation and deployment of appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures.
“The objective is to restore a safe, smooth and durable riding surface, improve motorability and significantly
reduce the traffic difficulties currently experienced around the First Niger Bridge axis.
CLOSURE PERIOD AND TEMPORARY TRAFFIC DIVERSION:
The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, 7th September 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, 21st September 2026.
In view of the nature and urgency of the intervention, motorists and other road users are hereby advised and
directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period.
“Appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures will be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.
” Motorists are strongly advised to:
“Obey all temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions;
“Approach the construction and diversion zones with caution;
- Reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking;
“Follow the directions of traffic-control personnel and security agencies;
“Allow additional travel time and plan their journeys accordingly; and
“Where practicable, use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi–Asaba as the preferred alternative route.
DURATION
The emergency maintenance intervention will run from Monday, 7th September 2026, a period of
approximately two (2) weeks, with construction activities being undertaken day and night to facilitate rapid
completion and minimize the duration of traffic disruption.
The Federal Ministry of Works appreciates the cooperation, patience and understanding of all road users,
residents, businesses and other stakeholders who may be affected by the temporary traffic diversion.
The temporary inconvenience is highly regretted. However, the intervention has become necessary in the overriding public interest, particularly to restore the First Niger Bridge to a safer and more efficient condition and to improve the free flow of traffic along this critical national transportation corridor.
The public is therefore urged to cooperate fully with the traffic management arrangements throughout the period of the works.
Safety first. Your cooperation will help us complete the work faster, the Controller appealed further.
