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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Energy & Infrastructure

Nigeria shuts popular bridge for two weeks over vandalism and urgent repairs

From Premium Times · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Nigeria will close the First Niger Bridge between Onitsha and Asaba for two weeks from September 7, according to the Federal Ministry of Works.
  • Officials said vandals damaged expansion-joint steelwork and removed nuts and bolts, while the bridge surface had also deteriorated.
  • Motorists will be diverted through the Second Niger Bridge as workers repair the structure and install security equipment.

The First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State will close for two weeks after an inspection found vandalised sections and a deteriorating road surface.

The Federal Ministry of Works said the closure would begin on Monday, September 7, and continue until September 21, 2026. Timothy Emenike, the ministry’s Anambra controller, said the decision followed a recent visit by Works Minister David Umahi, who expressed concern about the bridge’s condition.

During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi expressed serious concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works to restore the facility to a safe and properly motorable condition.

· Timothy EmenikeThe ministry official explained why the bridge would close for emergency repairs.

The damaged components include parts of the expansion-joint steelwork, as well as nuts and bolts on the bridge’s stanchions and steel trusses. A social activist had recently warned that scavengers had reportedly removed bolts and iron rods from the structure.

“During his recent working visit to Anambra State, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi expressed serious concern over the condition of the bridge and directed the immediate commencement of emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works to restore the facility to a safe and properly motorable condition,” Emenike said.

The First Niger Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from Monday, 7 September 2026, and the emergency maintenance works are expected to be completed by Monday, 21 September 2026.

· Timothy EmenikeHe announced the closure period and expected completion date.

SKECC, the contractor handling a section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been ordered to begin the emergency work. The repairs will include removing the deteriorated asphalt and laying about 40 millimetres of new asphalt, alongside other maintenance and safety work. Officials also plan to install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras to improve security and monitor vandalism.

Motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi toward Asaba and other destinations. Traffic signs, safety barriers and control personnel will be deployed, while drivers have been urged to reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking.

Motorists are strongly advised to obey all temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, approach the construction and diversion zones with caution, reduce speed and avoid reckless overtaking.

· Timothy EmenikeThe official issued safety instructions for drivers during the closure.
About this summary

Originally published by Premium Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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