Motorists using the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha will face a two-week closure as the Federal Ministry of Works begins repair work on the ageing bridge and sections damaged by vandalism.
The ministry’s Anambra State Field Headquarters said the closure will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and last for two weeks. The announcement is expected to affect traffic between Onitsha and Asaba, one of the busiest transport routes in the region.
The decision follows an inspection by Works Minister Dave Umahi last week, during which he visited a vandalised section of the bridge. Bolts and iron rods had reportedly been removed by scavengers, raising concerns over the condition of some structural components.
A statement signed by the Anambra State Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, said the closure was necessary to allow repair work to be carried out safely.
The ministry said the carriageway surface had deteriorated, while some bridge components had also been damaged. These include parts of the expansion joint steelworks and nuts and bolts connected to the bridge’s stanchion and steel truss.
The government said the condition of the affected sections requires urgent attention to protect motorists and other road users. The closure will allow engineers to carry out the necessary repairs without the added risk posed by moving traffic.
The First Niger Bridge remains a key transport link connecting communities and businesses around the Niger River. Its temporary closure is therefore likely to create traffic pressure on alternative routes, particularly during peak travel periods.
Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly while the repair work is underway. The Federal Ministry of Works is expected to provide further updates as the rehabilitation progresses.
