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The Federal Ministry of Works has announced the temporary closure of some sections of the First Niger Bridge from September 7 to September 21, 2026, to allow engineers to undertake scheduled maintenance and rehabilitation works on the critical crossing.
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Motorists and commuters who ordinarily use the First Niger Bridge have been advised to make use of the Second Niger Bridge during the two-week maintenance period to reduce congestion and minimise disruption to movement between Anambra and Delta states.
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The maintenance programme will include repairs to sections of the bridge that have been vandalised, according to the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, who said the intervention was necessary to keep the bridge safe and functional.
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Emenike said contractors would work round the clock to complete the intervention as quickly as possible, while motorists were urged to obey diversion signs and cooperate with traffic and road authorities throughout the closure.
September 04, (THEWILL) — The Federal Ministry of Works has announced plans to temporarily close some sections of the First Niger Bridge for two weeks to enable the government carry out maintenance and repair works on the strategic infrastructure.
The acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, who disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday, said the closure is scheduled to commence on Monday, September 7, and last until September 21, 2026.
Urging motorists, commuters and other road users who depend on the bridge to plan their journeys ahead of the scheduled intervention, Emenike advised motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge as an alternative route during the period when sections of the First Niger Bridge will be inaccessible.
The First Niger Bridge is a major transport link connecting communities and commercial centres on both sides of the Niger River and forms an important part of the road network linking southeastern Nigeria with the rest of the country.
According to Emenike, the maintenance exercise will include the repair of vandalised sections of the bridge.
With sections of the First Niger Bridge temporarily restricted, Emenike urged road users to take advantage of the Second Niger Bridge to avoid unnecessary delays.
The Second Niger Bridge was developed as an alternative crossing to ease pressure on the older First Niger Bridge and improve the movement of people and goods across the Niger.
Round-the-Clock Repairs
Emenike said the maintenance work would be undertaken day and night to ensure that the project is completed within the shortest possible time. He acknowledged that the closure would cause inconvenience to motorists and commuters but appealed for patience and cooperation while the intervention lasts.
He urged motorists to obey all diversion signs and instructions from traffic management authorities to ensure smooth movement and minimise congestion.
The controller also advised road users to plan their journeys with the temporary restrictions in mind rather than attempting to bypass the designated diversion routes.
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