Chinedum Treasure
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command has assured full preparedness in managing traffic and prompt response to emergencies throughout the period of temporary closure of the first Niger Bridge in Onitsha, commercial city of the state.
This is also as the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has vowed maximum security around the bridge.
The Federal Ministry of Works had announced closure of the first Niger Bridge for repairs following visit of Minister of Works, Dave Umahi to the two bridges after certain defects were detected on the bridge, including vandalization of bolts and nuts.
According to Acting Controller of the Ministry incharge of the state, Timothy Emenike, the bridge would be closed for two weeks, starting from September 7 (Monday), 2026.
He advised motorists and other road users to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period.
But Sector Commander, FRSC RS5.3 Anambra Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, in a statement on Sunday assured that the Command has deployed personnel to strategic locations across Onitsha and its environs ahead of the temporary closure.
She said the deployment is part of proactive measures by the Corps, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to ensure effective traffic management, smooth vehicular movement, and the safety of road users throughout the two-week closure.
According to Asekhauno, the steps followed a working visit and road audit conducted on Saturday, along major routes connecting to the Second Niger Bridge, which would serve as major alternative route during the closure.
“The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Sector Commander, FRSC RS5.3 Anambra; Sector Head of Operations, Controller, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Chapter, Engr—Emenike Timothy; his Delta State counterpart; and the Commander, Anambra State Traffic Management Agency.
“The road audit focused on assessing the major routes that will facilitate vehicular movement during the closure and identifying areas requiring urgent intervention to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize the risk of road traffic crashes,” she said.
The FRSC boss advised motorists to make use of the identified 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.
She also urged motorists to plan their journeys, obey traffic rules and traffic control directives, avoid unnecessary stopping or parking along the routes, exercise patience and refrain from dangerous driving practices.
While appealing to the public to cooperate with personnel deployed to strategic locations, Asekhauno described their support and compliance with traffic regulations as essential to achieving safe and seamless movement of traffic during the period of the First Niger Bridge closure.
On his part, NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde said the Command has mobilized armed and unarmed officers to provide 24-hour security for the engineers, equipment, and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period.
He said the Command was also working closely with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free operation.
He said, “Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has concluded plans to deploy adequate security operatives to the First Niger Bridge and its surrounding areas ahead of the emergency maintenance works on the bridge from Monday, September 7, 2026 till Monday, September 21, 2026.
“The temporary closure of the Niger Bridge for rehabilitation is a strategic federal project aimed at safeguarding lives and restoring a safe, smooth and durable riding surface for interstate connectivity.
“In line with the Corps’ core mandate of protecting Critical National, State and Local Government Assets and Infrastructure, the Command has deployed tactical and regular personnel to the site and adjoining areas.
“Consistent with our statutory responsibility, we have mobilized armed and unarmed officers to provide 24-hour security for the engineers, equipment, and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period.
“We are also working closely with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free operation.
“Rraffic diversion routes have been mapped out in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Works and sister agencies to minimize hardship for road users.
“Motorists are advised to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, throughout the closure period.
While urging motorists and commuters to cooperate with security personnel and traffic officials, Maku stressed the need for obedience to all diversion signs, and avoidance of acts that could undermine public order around the project site.
“We urge residents and road users to remain patient and law-abiding. Anyone found vandalizing government property or obstructing the contractor handling the project, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.
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