The Federal Ministry of Works will close the First Niger Bridge between September 7 and September 21, 2026, to enable emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the deteriorated bridge.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this during an interview in Awka on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The closure will affect motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states, with the Federal Government advising road users to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba and other destinations during the maintenance period.
Emenike advised motorists and commuters to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations during the period of the maintenance and closure.
He said appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures would be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.
The Federal Government said the closure is necessary to allow the emergency intervention to be carried out and restore the bridge to a safe and properly motorable condition.
Emenike said the intervention would principally involve milling and removal of the existing deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying approximately 40mm of asphalt wearing course, and carrying out associated maintenance and safety works on the bridge.
Emenike also urged motorists to allow additional travel time and, where practicable, use the Second Niger Bridge via Obosi-Asaba as the preferred alternative route.
The Federal Government officially commenced the construction of a 17.55-kilometre access road to the Second Niger Bridge in Asaba in March 2025.
The government urged the public to cooperate fully with the traffic-management arrangements throughout the period of the emergency works.
