President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the construction of access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, a key infrastructure project connecting Delta and Anambra states.
The event, held on Monday, marks the commencement of Phase 2A of the project and reinforces the administration’s commitment to the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State represented the President during the ceremony.
The President described the access roads as essential to Nigeria’s economic progress.
“These roads are critical for trade and commerce,” he said.
He noted that the opening of the Second Niger Bridge in December 2022 significantly improved traffic movement in the region.
Therefore, the addition of bypass roads will further decongest local towns and enhance mobility.
Bypasses Designed for Smooth Traffic Flow
In his remarks, Minister of Works Dave Umahi revealed that the new road construction includes two major bypasses totaling 17.5 kilometres.
“These bypasses are designed to reduce traffic in the town,” Umahi explained.
“We want to avoid disrupting existing transport systems while also enhancing future traffic flow.”
He assured stakeholders that the issue of vandalism on the bridge—particularly the stealing of metal components—will soon end.
To combat theft, CCTV systems have been installed and connected to monitoring stations, allowing real-time oversight from government offices.
Cross-Party Cooperation and Local Development
Minister Umahi also praised Governor Oborevwori’s cooperation regardless of political affiliation.
He commended the governor for prioritising development over party lines and representing President Tinubu with loyalty and effectiveness.
“Your state is a construction site,” he said, referencing ongoing infrastructure projects in Delta State.
“You are not like other governors who ignore federal roads.”
He highlighted that his visits to Warri revealed three massive flyover constructions, further positioning Delta as a key player in Nigeria’s infrastructure drive.
Compensation and Federal Funding
Umahi confirmed that landowners affected by the road expansion would receive compensation from both federal and state governments.
He also disclosed that the federal government had already released 30% of the approved funds for the road construction.
This upfront payment, he noted, is a signal of the federal government’s seriousness in delivering the project on schedule.
Conclusion: Renewed Hope Through Infrastructure
The Second Niger Bridge remains one of Nigeria’s most significant infrastructure undertakings.
Since its partial opening in 2022, the bridge has improved logistics, transportation, and regional integration between South-East and South-South Nigeria.
With the addition of properly designed access roads, the bridge will reach its full potential—facilitating seamless movement of people and goods.
President Tinubu’s administration has emphasised infrastructure as a cornerstone of national development.
The successful completion of the Second Niger Bridge project, including its access roads, will boost economic activities, reduce travel time, and improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians in the region.
Nigerians now wait to see the Renewed Hope agenda deliver not only access roads but also reliable results.
