Federal Government has announced a 14-day partial closure of First Niger Bridge to allow urgent maintenance and repairs on some sections of the bridge.
Gatekeepers News reports that Federal Ministry of Works said the closure will run from September 7 to September 21, 2026. The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this in Awka on Friday.
Emenike said the maintenance became necessary to address vandalised sections of the bridge, which require immediate attention. He urged motorists and commuters who regularly use the bridge to take note of the closure and make alternative arrangements during the period.
Federal Government advised motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge as an alternative route while the maintenance work is ongoing.
According to the ministry, the repair works will be carried out day and night to ensure that the bridge is reopened as quickly as possible.
Emenike also appealed to road users to cooperate with officials and obey diversion signs to minimise delays and inconvenience during the maintenance period.
The First Niger Bridge, which links Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State, is a major transport route connecting the South-East with other parts of the country. The planned closure is therefore expected to affect traffic movement along the busy corridor.
The development comes shortly after renewed concerns over the condition and security of the bridge. Federal Government has also announced plans to install CCTV cameras and solar streetlights on the First Niger Bridge to curb vandalism and theft.
