The federal government has commenced the construction of the 17.5km dual carriage access road of the Second Niger Bridge.
Flagging off the ceremony, President Bola Tinubu said his administration was responding to challenges faced by road users by improving connectivity, safety, and trade and commerce across the country.
Represented by the Governor of Delta, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the President said the construction of the access road was a testament to his administration’s commitment to providing road infrastructure of the most vital interest and consequence.
He said the opening of the Second Niger Bridge to motorists in December 2022 heralded a new dawn in road transportation between the southeast and the rest of Nigeria.
“This Bridge is a landmark infrastructural project because of its significance in linking Asaba-Benin and Onitsha-Enugu dual-carriageways, two of the most significant highways in the country.
“This project demonstrates this administration’s unwavering commitment to accelerating infrastructural development and economic growth.
“A strong and resilient economy is built on the ability of the government to build modern infrastructure, provide public amenities, and expand social services,” he said.
President Tinubu further insisted that good transportation networks facilitate easy mobility, create employment opportunities, boost tourism, engender free movement of goods and services from production centres to sales outlets, and improve overall quality of life.
Governor Oborevwori commended President Tinubu in his opening remarks for his patriotic fervour and allegiance to the development of every part of the country.
“Yesterday, the concessioning and rehabilitation of the Benin-Asaba Expressway was flagged off in Benin, Edo state. Today we are witnessing the flag-off of the Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge.
“The Benin-Asaba Expressway is a strategic link road connecting Edo and Delta States and some parts of the South-West, while the Second Niger Bridge is the major gateway to the South-East and South-South regions of the country.
“These roads are critical for trade and commerce and, on behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I want to express our profound gratitude to Mr President for his exemplary leadership and unflagging commitment to national infrastructure renewal.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, in his speech, lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to peace, stability and progress of the state, and for his support for the President irrespective of party differences.
Umahi said the federal government was very happy with the developmental initiative of the Oborevwori‘s administration, adding that the Governor had taken a huge burden from its shoulders through the state government‘s interventions on federal roads in the state.
“Your actions, your commitment to the development of your people, your character, content and conduct best decsribed you as a progressive. I didn‘t start knowing you today, we have been friends and l am very proud to be your friend.
“Delta state is now a huge construction site. When l went to Warri, l saw the huge three flyovers that you are doing on our roads. I am very very proud about the quality, the length, the aesthetics and the progressiveness of those projects.
“We are very happy because it is a burden that you lifted up from our shoulders. You are indeed, a man of the people considering the many other federal road projects that you are intervening“, the Minister added.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr Olufunsho Adebiyi, had earlier disclosed that the access road linking Delta/Anambra States, Phase 2A Contract, in Asaba, would serve as a vital transportation corridor connecting the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.
He said the strategic road traverses multiple communities in Delta State including Issele-Azagba, Okpanam, Ibusa, Asaba, Okwe, Oko-Amakun before linking the second Niger Bridge.
He said the road was designed to enhance regional connectivity and alleviate congestion on existing road networks, adding that the project was a significant step towards improving infrastructure, boosting economic activities and fostering sustainable development in the region.
