REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Sector Command, has deployed personnel to strategic locations across Onitsha and its environs ahead of the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge from September 7 to 21, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Sector Public Education Officer, FRSC Anambra State Command, Margaret Onabe, the deployment forms 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 period.
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, had embarked on a working visit and road audit on Saturday, September 5, 2026, along major routes connecting to the Second Niger Bridge, which will serve as the primary alternative route during the closure.
The exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Sector Head of Operations, the Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Chapter, Mr Emenike Timothy, his Delta State counterpart, and the Commander of the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency.
According to the statement, 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 minimise the risk of road traffic crashes.
Motorists are advised 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.
The Sector Commander assured the public that the FRSC, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies and relevant stakeholders in Anambra and Delta States, is fully prepared to manage traffic and respond promptly to emergencies throughout the period.
According to the release motorists are urged 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.
The Corps also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with personnel deployed to strategic locations, noting that their support and compliance with traffic regulations are essential to achieving a safe and seamless movement of traffic during the period of the First Niger Bridge closure.
