Niger Bridge Closure: FRSC, NSCDC Deploy Personnel, Assure Motorists of Traffic Control, 24-Hour Security

By Praise Chinecherem

Motorists and commuters using the Onitsha–Asaba corridor have been assured of improved traffic management and round-the-clock security as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) prepare for the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge.

The First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, will be closed for two weeks from Monday, September 7, to Monday, September 21, 2026, to allow the Federal Ministry of Works carry out emergency repairs on the ageing infrastructure.

The closure follows an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during which defects, including the vandalisation of bolts and nuts, were discovered.

The Federal Ministry of Works has directed motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, as the major alternative route during the maintenance period.

Ahead of the closure, the FRSC Anambra State Command said it had intensified preparations to prevent gridlock and reduce the risk of crashes along alternative routes.

The Sector Commander, FRSC RS5.3 Anambra, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, said personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across Onitsha and its environs to manage traffic and respond promptly to emergencies.

Asekhauno disclosed this in a statement on Sunday following a road audit and working visit conducted on Saturday along major routes linking to the Second Niger Bridge.

She said the exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Traffic Management Agency and relevant authorities in Delta State.

“The road audit focused on assessing the major routes that will facilitate vehicular movement during the closure and identifying areas requiring urgent intervention to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise the risk of road traffic crashes,” Asekhauno said.

The FRSC identified several alternative routes for motorists, including the Nkpor–Old Road–Obosi route, Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka, and Atani Road through Uga Junction to Harbour Industrial Layout.

Asekhauno urged motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time and strictly obey traffic regulations and instructions from traffic control personnel.

She also advised road users to avoid unnecessary stopping or parking along the diversion routes, exercise patience and refrain from dangerous driving.

“The cooperation and compliance of motorists and other road users with traffic regulations are essential to achieving safe and seamless movement during the period of the First Niger Bridge closure,” she said.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC Anambra State Command has promised to provide 24-hour security for engineers, equipment and the bridge infrastructure throughout the maintenance exercise.

The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the Corps had mobilised both armed and unarmed personnel to the bridge and surrounding areas to protect the project and ensure that the repair work proceeds without disruption.

According to him, the deployment will run from September 7 to September 21, 2026.

“Consistent with our statutory responsibility, we have mobilised armed and unarmed officers to provide 24-hour security for the engineers, equipment and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period,” Olatunde said.

He added that the NSCDC was working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth operation.

Olatunde described the temporary closure as a strategic federal intervention aimed at restoring the bridge and safeguarding the lives of road users.

“The temporary closure of the Niger Bridge for rehabilitation is a strategic federal project aimed at safeguarding lives and restoring a safe, smooth and durable riding surface for interstate connectivity,” he said.

The NSCDC commandant also disclosed that traffic diversion routes had been mapped out in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Works and other agencies to minimise the impact of the closure on motorists and commuters.

He reiterated the directive for motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba and other destinations beyond.

Olatunde urged residents and road users to cooperate with security and traffic personnel and obey all diversion signs around the project area.

He warned that anyone attempting to vandalise government property or obstruct the contractors would face arrest and prosecution.

“We urge residents and road users to remain patient and law-abiding. Anyone found vandalising government property or obstructing the contractor handling the project will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.

With the closure set to begin Monday, authorities are urging motorists to plan their journeys, use designated alternative routes and allow extra travel time as traffic volumes are expected to increase around the Second Niger Bridge and connecting roads.

The two-week intervention is expected to pave the way for the restoration of the First Niger Bridge and improve the safety and reliability of one of the country’s most important interstate transport links.

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