The Federal Government is considering diverting heavy-duty trucks and trailers from the First Niger Bridge to the Second Niger Bridge in an effort to ease persistent traffic congestion between Onitsha, Anambra State, and Asaba, Delta State.
The proposed measure comes amid complaints from motorists who say gridlocks on the First Niger Bridge have continued despite its reopening in October.
The Anambra State Federal Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, disclosed the plan in an interview, explaining that the Ministry of Works was considering installing barriers at both ends of the bridge to prevent heavy-duty vehicles from accessing it.
According to Emenike, the diversion is expected to reduce pressure on the First Niger Bridge and improve traffic movement, particularly as preparations begin for the busy Christmas and New Year travel period.
The First Niger Bridge was closed on September 7, 2026, following the discovery of serious structural damage during an inspection by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
The inspection reportedly uncovered missing bolts, cut steel components and damaged expansion-jointed steelwork, raising concerns about the condition of the bridge.
It was reopened on October 15 after repair work and the introduction of new road demarcations and concrete median barriers intended to improve traffic management.
However, motorists have complained that the new arrangement has created difficulties, particularly when vehicles break down within the restricted lanes.
Some road users say a stalled trailer or heavy-duty truck can block the available passage, leaving other motorists stranded for hours because there is insufficient space to manoeuvre around the obstruction.
Emenike acknowledged the traffic challenges but argued that the road demarcations were introduced to improve movement and discourage dangerous driving practices.
He maintained that the lanes were tested before the modifications were completed and were considered wide enough to allow a heavy-duty vehicle and a smaller vehicle to pass at the same time.
He, however, said two heavy-duty vehicles could not comfortably pass each other on the same lane, making the Second Niger Bridge a more suitable route for larger trucks.
“That is why the ministry is considering diverting the heavy-duty trucks to the Second Niger Bridge that is wide enough to contain them,” Emenike said.
The controller also blamed some of the traffic disruptions on drivers who allegedly fail to move broken-down vehicles away from the main carriageway after noticing mechanical problems.
He urged motorists, particularly truck drivers, to ensure their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on journeys and to take steps to prevent breakdowns from obstructing other road users.
However, some motorists have questioned whether the new concrete dividers have made the First Niger Bridge too restrictive for smooth traffic movement.
A driver identified as Emeka said the demarcations had made it difficult for vehicles to pass whenever a car, bus or truck stalled on the bridge.
He also complained that promised towing vehicles had not been provided at both ends of the bridge, leaving motorists to wait for extended periods whenever a breakdown occurred.
Another truck driver, identified as Sanni, urged his colleagues to maintain their vehicles properly and adapt to the new traffic arrangement. He also called on the authorities to provide towing vehicles to ensure that broken-down trucks could be removed quickly.
A civil servant identified as Amaka supported the idea of restricting heavy-duty trucks from using the First Niger Bridge, arguing that the authorities needed to prevent the new traffic management arrangement from creating additional problems for motorists.
Although the proposed diversion could reduce the number of large trucks using the First Niger Bridge, the Federal Government has not announced a confirmed implementation date or issued details of the proposed traffic restrictions.
For now, the plan remains under consideration, while motorists continue to face delays along the important route linking the South-East and South-South regions.
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