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The Federal Government has ordered the closure of the Second Niger Bridge for two weeks to facilitate necessary repairs.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, made this known in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, the bridge which connects vehicular movement from Anambra and Delta states, will be fully closed for maintenance works from Monday, September 7, 2026, to Monday, September 21, 2026.
Motorists were advised to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond throughout the closure period.
Emenike disclosed that appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures would be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.
The statement reads, “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 vandalisation, including portions of the expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.
“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Minister of Works, David 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.”
The federal controller added said the rehabilitation and maintenance works would majorly involve milling/removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying of approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course, and necessary associated maintenance and safety works on the bridge.
He equally identified the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, as well as the installation and deployment of appropriate traffic-control and diversion measures, as some of the works to be executed at the bridge.
Emenike added that the objective was 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.
