THE River Niger Bridge or Onitsha Bridge will be closed to traffic as from Monday 7th of September to enable emergency repairs.

The emergency maintenance on the 61-year-old bridge followed the discovery of damaged expansion joints, stolen steel nuts and bolts vandalised by scavengers, known as ‘Iron Condemned’ during the visit of the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi there a week ago.

This was contained in a press release signed by the State Controller, Mr Timothy Emenike, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters.

It reads: “The attention of the general public, motorists and other road users is hereby drawn to the deteriorated condition of the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, particularly the carriageway surface and certain bridge components affected by vandalism, including portions of the expansion joint steelworks and stanchion/steel truss nuts and bolts.

“Accordingly, Messrs SKECC, the contractor handling the Km 0+000 to Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to immediately commence emergency maintenance works on the First Niger Bridge.

“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, 21st September 2026.

“In view of the nature and urgency of the intervention, motorists and other road users are hereby advised and directed to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period.

“Appropriate traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers, traffic-control personnel and other necessary safety measures will be deployed to guide motorists and ensure the safety of road users, construction personnel and other members of the public.

“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”.