The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed personnel across Onitsha and surrounding areas ahead of the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge for emergency maintenance.

The two-week closure, scheduled to run from September 7 to September 21, is expected to affect traffic around Onitsha, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial hubs and a major gateway between the country’s eastern and western regions.

The FRSC said its personnel would work with other traffic management agencies and relevant authorities in Anambra and Delta states to manage traffic and ensure the safety of motorists throughout the maintenance period.

The deployment followed a working visit and road audit conducted by the Anambra Sector Commander of the FRSC, Bridget Asekhauno, and other officials.

The assessment focused on alternative routes that motorists can use to access the Second Niger Bridge and other connecting roads during the closure.

Motorists have been advised to use routes including Nkpor–Old Road–Obosi, the Onitsha–Owerri Road from Upper Iweka, and Atani Road through Uga Junction to the Harbour Industrial Layout.

The FRSC said the alternative routes were identified to facilitate vehicular movement and reduce the risk of road crashes during the closure.

It urged motorists to plan their journeys, obey traffic control directives and avoid unnecessary parking or stopping along designated diversion routes.

The agency also called on drivers to remain patient and refrain from dangerous driving practices, saying public cooperation would be crucial to ensuring smoother traffic movement.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC said it had mobilised armed and unarmed personnel to protect the bridge, engineers and equipment throughout the maintenance exercise.

The security agency said the deployment was in line with its responsibility to protect critical government infrastructure.

Its spokesperson in Anambra, Okadigbo Edwin, said personnel would provide round-the-clock security at the bridge and surrounding areas while working with other security agencies.

“We have mobilised armed and unarmed officers to provide 24-hour security for the engineers, equipment and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period,” he said.

The NSCDC warned that anyone found vandalising public property or obstructing the contractor handling the maintenance work would be arrested and prosecuted.

The temporary shutdown of the First Niger Bridge is expected to place additional pressure on alternative roads and the newer Second Niger Bridge, which provides another major crossing over the River Niger.

Authorities said traffic and security personnel would remain on the ground throughout the maintenance period to manage congestion and respond to emergencies.

Road users travelling through Onitsha and surrounding communities have been urged to allow extra time for their journeys and follow directions issued by traffic officials during the closure.