FG Announces Two-Week Closure Of First Niger Bridge For Repairs

The federal government has announced plans to close the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, for two weeks to allow urgent repair work.

The closure will run from September 7 to September 21, according to Timothy Emenike, acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State.

During the period, motorists heading towards Delta State and other destinations have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi and Asaba.

Emenike said traffic signs, barriers and traffic-control officers would be deployed to manage the diversion and ensure the safety of motorists and workers.

The First Niger Bridge, which links Anambra and Delta states, is an important route connecting the South-East with other parts of Nigeria.

The government said the repairs became necessary because parts of the bridge had deteriorated, while some components had also been damaged or removed by vandals.

Some of the affected parts include sections of the expansion-joint steelwork and nuts and bolts used on the bridge’s steel structures.

Works Minister David Umahi had raised concerns about the bridge’s condition during his recent visit to Anambra and ordered immediate emergency repairs.

SKECC, the contractor working on the 20-kilometre Onitsha-Enugu dual carriageway, has been assigned to carry out the rehabilitation.

The work will involve removing the damaged asphalt and replacing it with a new layer of about 40mm. Solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras will also be installed as part of the project.

The ministry said the repairs are expected to improve the bridge’s condition, make driving safer and reduce traffic problems around the area.

Work will continue both during the day and at night to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible.

Motorists have been urged to obey traffic signs, follow diversion instructions, drive carefully around construction areas and cooperate with traffic officers and security personnel.

The government also advised travellers to allow extra time for their journeys and use the Second Niger Bridge where possible.

It apologised for the inconvenience caused by the closure, stressing that the repairs are necessary to make the bridge safer and more reliable for road users.

Residents, businesses and motorists were also urged to cooperate with the temporary traffic arrangements throughout the repair period.

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