The Federal Government is considering plans to restrict heavy duty vehicles and articulated trucks from using the First Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta states, following persistent traffic congestion since the facility was reopened to motorists.
The proposed measure would require heavy-duty vehicles to use the Second Niger Bridge, which has a wider carriageway and is considered more suitable for accommodating large trucks.
The Federal Government is also considering installing barriers at both entrances of the First Niger Bridge to prevent restricted vehicles from accessing the facility.
Anambra State Federal Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this during an interview on Tuesday, explaining that the Federal Ministry of Works was exploring several measures to ease traffic congestion, particularly ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to Emenike, diverting articulated vehicles to the Second Niger Bridge would reduce pressure on the older bridge and improve movement for smaller vehicles.
He acknowledged growing complaints from motorists who have continued to experience prolonged traffic delays since the First Niger Bridge reopened on October 15, 2026.
The controller attributed some of the congestion to motorists abandoning vehicles that develop mechanical faults on the bridge instead of moving them away from the main carriageway to allow other road users to pass.
He maintained that drivers must take responsibility for ensuring that faulty vehicles do not unnecessarily obstruct traffic.
Emenike also defended the concrete dividers and road demarcations introduced before the bridge reopened, explaining that the modifications were designed to improve traffic regulation and road safety.
He stated that the available space could accommodate a heavy-duty truck alongside a smaller vehicle, but would not allow two heavy-duty trucks to pass simultaneously.
This, he explained, was one of the reasons the ministry was considering redirecting large trucks to the Second Niger Bridge.
However, the proposed restriction has generated discussions among motorists and other road users, many of whom have blamed the newly installed concrete dividers for worsening traffic conditions.
Some drivers argued that the reduced road space makes it difficult to manoeuvre around broken down vehicles, allowing a single mechanical fault to trigger hours of gridlock.
A driver identified as Emeka expressed concern over the absence of towing vehicles at both ends of the bridge, despite earlier assurances that such services would be provided to facilitate the quick removal of faulty vehicles.
Similarly, a truck operator identified as Sanni urged motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to carry out proper mechanical checks before embarking on journeys. He also called on the authorities to provide towing vehicles to respond promptly to emergencies.
A civil servant, Amaka, supported measures to regulate heavy duty vehicle movement but urged the government to address the operational challenges created by the new road arrangement.
The renewed traffic concerns followed the closure of the First Niger Bridge on September 7, 2026, after the Minister of Works, David Umahi, reportedly discovered extensive vandalism affecting critical structural components during an inspection.
The damage included missing bolts, cut steel components and affected sections of the expansion jointed steelwork, raising concerns about the structural safety of the bridge.
Following repair and rehabilitation works, the Federal Government reopened the bridge on October 15, 2026, with new concrete dividers and traffic demarcations introduced to regulate movement.
The First Niger Bridge connects Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State and remains a major transportation link between the South-East and South-South regions.
With the festive season approaching, motorists are expecting the Federal Ministry of Works to implement lasting measures that will ease congestion, improve safety and ensure smoother movement across the strategic transport corridor.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
