By Praise Chinecherem

Vehicular movement on the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, was halted on Monday as the Federal Ministry of Works commenced scheduled repair and maintenance works on the critical link between Anambra and Delta states.

The closure, which began on September 7, 2026, followed the discovery of defects on the First and Second Niger Bridges, including the vandalisation of bolts and nuts, during an inspection by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

The Federal Ministry of Works had earlier announced that the First Niger Bridge would remain closed to motorists for two weeks to allow for the repair works.

The Acting Controller of the Ministry in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, advised motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations beyond the affected route throughout the closure period.

When our correspondent visited the bridge on Monday, maintenance work was already underway around the Anambra-Delta axis.

Security personnel were deployed to the area, while heavy-duty equipment, including trucks, caterpillars and graders, was being used to clear sand, fill potholes and remove damaged bolts, nuts and other metal components for replacement.

Motorists approaching the First Niger Bridge were diverted to the Second Niger Bridge in line with the ministry’s earlier directive. However, pedestrians and a few motorcycles were still observed using the pedestrian lane.

Speaking on the traffic management measures, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS5.3, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, said the command had deployed personnel and equipment to strategic locations to manage traffic and minimise congestion.

She said, “As you can see, the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, has been temporarily closed to motorists due to the ongoing repair and maintenance works.

“In response, personnel of RS5.3 Commands at Onitsha, Ogidi and Oraifite, in collaboration with the Sector Command, have deployed men and materials to strategic locations to manage traffic and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement.”

Asekhauno identified key routes motorists could use to access the Second Niger Bridge during the closure.

They include the Nkpor New Parks–Nkpor Junction–Old Road–Obosi–Second Niger Bridge route.

She also listed the Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka Flyover towards the Second Niger Bridge, as well as Atani Road through Uga Junction to Harbour Industrial Layout, connecting to the Second Niger Bridge.

The FRSC commander further advised motorists already at the First Niger Bridge from the Onitsha axis to make a U-turn underneath the bridge and access the Second Niger Bridge through Upper Iweka–Owerri Road.

The maintenance exercise is expected to last two weeks, during which motorists are advised to plan their journeys ahead and follow the designated diversion routes to avoid unnecessary delays.

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