The Federal Government has announced a two-week closure of the First Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta states for emergency maintenance.
The closure will begin on Monday, September 7, and is expected to end on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, announced the closure in Awka.
He said the decision followed a recent inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The inspection revealed serious deterioration, including damaged asphalt and vandalised structural components.
Some of the affected parts include expansion joints, steel truss nuts and bolts.
The Federal Ministry of Works said repair activities would be carried out day and night to ensure the work is completed quickly and reduce the impact on motorists.
During the closure, motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge as an alternative route.
Motorists travelling towards Asaba, Delta State, are expected to divert through Obosi and connect to the Second Niger Bridge.
The rehabilitation will involve milling and replacing damaged asphalt, replacing vandalised expansion joints and installing solar-powered streetlights.
CCTV security cameras will also be installed as part of the intervention.
Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway section, will carry out the repair works.
The ministry urged motorists and commercial transport operators to exercise caution and follow temporary diversion signs.
It also called for cooperation with security and traffic-control personnel to minimise congestion along the corridor during the closure.
