Second Niger Bridge: Tinubu Flags Off Access Road To Second Niger Bridge – Sixt-Media Lane
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the construction of Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge to enhance transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity in the Southeast.
The President was represented by Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, while the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, personally attended the event at Ogbunike (3-3 Nkwelle Junction) along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The Second Niger Bridge, commissioned in 2023, has greatly improved travel between the Southeast and other parts of the country, but its full benefits have been hindered by incomplete access roads.
The newly launched Phase 2B construction is aimed at addressing this by delivering a 17.5km dual carriageway with seven bridges and modern infrastructure, including security cameras.
The road will stretch from the Umunya/Ogbunike axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, passing through the Old Enugu Road Interchange, Ogidi, Nkpor-Umuoji Road Interchange, to the Asaba-Ibuzo Road Interchange and Valley Bridge.
The ceremony began with Igwe Awkuzu, Igwe Prof. Charles Anikweze, the closest traditional ruler to the venue, offering prayers over the kola nut, invoking blessings for the successful execution of the project.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi commended Governor Soludo for his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements in multiple sectors.
He noted that Anambra currently has 18 ongoing federal road projects, including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which has been split between MTN and another company for effective execution.
Beyond road projects, Umahi described Soludo as a strong ally of President Tinubu, stating that their partnership has been instrumental in advancing development in Anambra and the Southeast.
He assured that payments for the project would be tied to work progress, with 30 percent of the contract sum already disbursed.
Enge Umahi urged local communities along the route to support the project and avoid disruptions. He also reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to the Southeast, citing key appointments such as the Chief of Naval Staff and the Minister of Works as proof of the administration’s dedication to the region.
Responding, Governor Soludo said the Second Niger Bridge would remain incomplete until the entire 35km access road was fully constructed.
While acknowledging previous setbacks, he thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed optimism that, with Umahi as Minister of Works, the project would be completed as planned.
He urged community leaders, PGs, and traditional rulers to ensure that local youths do not obstruct construction activities, emphasizing that cooperation is essential for a smooth execution process.
Governor Soludo further highlighted the importance of sustained federal-state collaboration in infrastructure development, revealing that Anambra had already invested over N150 billion in federal roads. He stressed that the dualization of key roads was critical to preventing future congestion and ensuring long-term economic growth in the region.
The contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, represented by General Manager Gius Cheng, pledged to complete the project on schedule and in line with the highest quality standards.
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