The temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, and Asaba, Delta State, commenced on Monday, September 7, 2026, as the Federal Government began emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works on the ageing bridge.
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Vehicular movement across the bridge was halted in the early hours of Monday, with motorists redirected to the Second Niger Bridge for the duration of the two-week closure announced by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Heavy-duty construction vehicles and equipment were deployed to the First Niger Bridge, effectively preventing movement between the Asaba and Onitsha ends as rehabilitation work commenced.
The Federal Government had explained that the temporary closure became necessary to carry out urgent repairs aimed at restoring the bridge to a safer and more durable condition.
Residents of Asaba who work or conduct business in Onitsha and other parts of Anambra State, as well as Onitsha residents who regularly travel to Asaba, said traffic began being redirected towards the Second Niger Bridge from about 5:30 a.m.
While many commuters acknowledged the need for the repairs, concerns have emerged over the pressure the diversion could place on major roads leading to and from the Second Niger Bridge, particularly the deteriorating Owerri Road in Onitsha.
Residents of Onitsha and neighbouring communities, including Obosi, Oba, Nkpor and Oraifite, have for years complained about the condition of sections of the Owerri Road, especially between Upper Iweka and the Metallurgical Training Institute, Obosi, as well as around the Electrical Market axis.
One resident, Okechukwu Ojukwu, warned that the diversion of vehicles from the First Niger Bridge could worsen an already difficult traffic situation.
“We have been calling on the Anambra State Government to pay attention to Owerri Road, Onitsha. Today, here we are and the situation has arisen. Owerri Road is unavoidable for anybody coming into Onitsha from Imo and Delta states to do business,” he said.
Ojukwu said the road already experiences significant congestion and expressed concern that the additional volume of vehicles occasioned by the bridge closure could further compound the problem.
He also appealed to relevant authorities to review the number and location of security checkpoints along the route, which he said sometimes contribute to delays for road users.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Command, has meanwhile deployed personnel to strategic locations around the Onitsha axis to manage traffic throughout the maintenance period.
The command’s Public Education Officer, Margaret Onabe, said the deployment formed part of proactive measures aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and protecting road users during the two-week closure.
Ahead of the shutdown, the FRSC also carried out a road audit of major routes connecting motorists to the Second Niger Bridge.
The exercise was led by the Anambra State Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, alongside the Sector Head of Operations, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Works in Anambra and Delta states, and the Commander of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency.
According to the FRSC, the audit was intended to assess roads expected to absorb increased traffic during the closure and identify areas requiring urgent attention to minimise congestion and the risk of road crashes.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes connecting to the Second Niger Bridge, including the Nkpor–Old Road–Obosi route; Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka; and Atani Road through Uga Junction to Harbour Industrial Layout.
The FRSC also urged motorists to cooperate with officers deployed to traffic-control points and comply with diversion instructions.
The Anambra State Government had earlier notified residents of the planned closure, explaining that the rehabilitation became necessary because of deterioration on the bridge’s carriageway and damage to some components.
The state government consequently advised motorists travelling towards Asaba and other parts of Delta State to use the Second Niger Bridge through the Obosi axis.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency, Emeka Okonkwo, urged motorists to obey temporary road signs and diversion instructions, exercise caution around construction zones and cooperate with traffic-management personnel.
The closure is expected to last two weeks, during which commuters travelling between Anambra and Delta states will largely depend on the Second Niger Bridge and its connecting roads, increasing concerns over possible traffic congestion on already pressured routes around Onitsha.
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