Pecohub Fresh concerns have emerged over the safety of the Niger Bridge following claims that persistent traffic congestion caused by security checkpoints may be placing excessive structural stress on the bridge.
The warning was raised by social media commentator Somto Okonkwo, who alleged that the mounting of a police checkpoint at the exit point of the bridge in Anambra State has resulted in prolonged gridlock and heavy vehicular load on the structure.
“The popular Niger Bridge in Anambra State is gradually falling. The Nigerian Police are a major cause of this crisis because they mounted a checkpoint exactly at the exit point of the bridge, causing serious traffic congestion and excessive weight on the bridge,” the post read.
Images circulating alongside the post show long lines of vehicles stretching from the bridge exit, with trucks and heavy-duty vehicles reportedly stuck for extended periods.
Structural experts have long warned that bridges are designed for continuous traffic flow, not prolonged static loads, raising questions about the long-term impact of recurring gridlock.
The bridge serves as a major economic artery linking the South-East to other parts of Nigeria and handles thousands of vehicles daily, including articulated trucks transporting goods to and from Onitsha and surrounding commercial hubs.
The allegations have sparked public debate, with residents and road users calling on the Nigerian Police Force, the Federal Ministry of Works, and the Anambra State Government to urgently review checkpoint placements around the bridge.
Critics argue that while security checks are important, positioning checkpoints directly at bridge exit points could pose unintended infrastructure risks and worsen traffic conditions.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Police Force nor relevant road and works authorities have issued an official response addressing the claims or clarifying the structural status of the Niger Bridge.
Meanwhile, commuters continue to urge authorities to relocate checkpoints away from the bridge corridor and conduct an independent structural assessment to avert a potential infrastructure crisis.
