The closure will take effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21, 2026.
The Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, made the announcement in a statement signed by the Acting Federal Controller of Works in the state, Timothy Emenike.
The ministry said the decision became necessary following the deteriorating condition of parts of the bridge, particularly its road surface and some structural components affected by vandalism.
According to the ministry, motorists travelling between Anambra and Delta states during the closure should use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba as an alternative route.
Traffic signs, safety barriers, diversion arrangements and traffic-control personnel will be deployed around the affected areas to manage movement and protect motorists, construction workers and other road users.
The ministry said the Minister of Works, David Umahi, raised concerns about the condition of the bridge during his recent visit to Anambra State and ordered immediate emergency intervention.
Consequently, Messrs SKECC, the contractor working on the Km 0+000–Km 20+000 section of the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been instructed to commence the rehabilitation works.
The intervention will include removing the damaged asphalt surface and replacing it with an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course. Repairs will also be carried out on other affected sections of the bridge.
The Federal Government also plans to install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras, alongside additional traffic-management and diversion facilities.
The ministry said the project is expected to provide a smoother and more durable road surface, improve movement and ease the traffic problems experienced around the First Niger Bridge.
Construction activities will reportedly continue day and night to ensure the work is completed within the planned two-week period and reduce the impact of the closure on commuters and businesses.
Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys ahead, allow extra travel time, reduce speed around diversion and construction zones, avoid reckless overtaking and comply with temporary road signs.
The ministry also urged road users to follow instructions from traffic-control officers and security personnel throughout the period.
While apologising for the temporary inconvenience, the Federal Ministry of Works said the closure was necessary in the public interest, stressing that the intervention would help restore the bridge and improve traffic flow along the important transportation corridor.
The ministry appealed to residents, businesses, motorists and other stakeholders to cooperate with the traffic-management arrangements to ensure the rehabilitation is completed as quickly as possible.
