The Federal Government has commenced the construction of Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, marking a significant step in enhancing transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity in the South-East.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, at the groundbreaking ceremony at Ogbunike along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Tuesday, noted that the Second Niger Bridge, inaugurated in 2023, has greatly improved commuting between the South-East and other parts of the country.
He also pointed out that despite this huge improvement, the full benefits of the bridge have been hindered by incomplete access roads.
According to him, the newly launched Phase 2B construction aims to address these challenges by delivering a 17.5km dual carriageway with seven bridges and modern infrastructure, including security cameras around its corridors.
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-Igbuzor Road Interchange and Valley Bridge.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said, “Payments for the project would be tied to work progress, with 30 per cent of the contract sum already disbursed.
9News Nigeria reports that part of the statement revealed; “We urged local communities along the route to support the project and avoid disruptions. President Bola Tinubu is committed to the South-East development, with key appointments such as the Chief of Naval Staff and the Minister of Works as proof of the administration’s dedication to the region.
“With construction now officially underway, the initiative is set to transform interstate transportation, ease traffic congestion, and boost economic activities across Anambra and Delta states.
“The project reinforces the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and the economic integration of the South-East with the rest of Nigeria.”
The minister also praised Soludo’s commitment to road infrastructure, pointing out 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 acknowledged Soludo’s accomplishments in security, education, healthcare, and fiscal management, emphasising his role in constructing a befitting Anambra Government House.
He described Soludo as a strong ally of President Tinubu, stating that their partnership has been instrumental in advancing development in Anambra and the South-East.
Soludo, in his address, said the Second Niger Bridge would remain incomplete until the entire 35-kilometre access road was fully constructed.
He therefore urged community leaders, PGs, and traditional rulers to ensure that local youths do not obstruct construction activities, emphasising that cooperation is essential for a smooth execution process.
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.
“The dualisation of key roads was critical to preventing future congestion and ensuring long-term economic growth in the region.”
