Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Ministry of Works has denied reports that it removed the newly installed demarcations on the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, following public criticism of the structure.
The Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Timothy Emenike, said the ministry only created openings at selected points along the demarcation to allow vehicles to make U-turns during emergencies and provide access for emergency-response agencies.
Emenike made the clarification on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following reports circulating on social media that the demarcation had been dismantled after criticism from motorists and other road users.
He said the openings were deliberately created to enable the Federal Road Safety Corps, fire service and other traffic and emergency agencies to respond effectively if an incident occurs on the bridge.
The controversy followed the installation of a central demarcation during the ongoing rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge, which links Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State.
The demarcation has generated mixed reactions, with some road users welcoming the separation of traffic moving in opposite directions, while others have raised concerns about the reduced carriageway space and the ability of emergency and recovery vehicles to manoeuvre effectively.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Onitsha Branch, had also raised concerns about the effect of the median barriers on traffic capacity, vehicle manoeuvrability and emergency response. The engineers recommended, among other measures, that heavy-duty vehicles be prioritised on the Second Niger Bridge while the First Niger Bridge is used mainly by lighter vehicles.
The Federal Road Safety Corps had earlier said it was discussing the traffic-management arrangement with the Works Ministry, particularly because some of its emergency recovery equipment requires sufficient space to operate.
However, Emenike maintained that there was no decision to dismantle the newly installed demarcation.
He said the major rehabilitation works, including tarring of the bridge and repairs to critical components, had been completed, while painting of the railings and other finishing works were ongoing.
According to him, the bridge could be reopened before the end of the week if there are no unforeseen circumstances.
The First Niger Bridge was temporarily closed to traffic in September for emergency rehabilitation after the discovery of vandalised structural components, including parts of its expansion-joint steelwork. The closure was later extended because of persistent rainfall.
The bridge remains an important link between Anambra and Delta states and a major route connecting the South-East with the South-South.
The ministry's latest clarification is therefore that the openings seen along the central demarcation are part of the traffic and emergency-response arrangement, rather than evidence that the controversial barrier is being removed.
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