It was Chanda Kochhar who said: “Investment in infrastructure is a long term requirement for growth and a long term factor that will make growth sustainable.”
Similarly, Carol Moseley Braun said: “We must invest in infrastructure development and rebuilding communities to create jobs.”
Perhaps, for this reason, the Bola Tinubu administration has been investing in critical infrastructure. The construction of phase 2b of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge has officially commenced, marking a significant step in enhancing transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity in the South East.
Tinubu was represented at the groundbreaking ceremony by Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State while the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, attended the event at Ogbunike (33 Nkwelle Junction) along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The Second Niger Bridge, inaugurated 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 aims to address 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-Igbuzor Road Interchange and Valley Bridge.
Speaking at the event, Umahi said: “Payments for the project would be tied to work progress, with 30 per cent of the contract sum already disbursed.
“We urge 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.”
Umahi also commended Soludo for his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements in multiple sectors. He 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 two companies for effective execution.
Beyond road projects, Umahi acknowledged Soludo’s accomplishments in security, education, healthcare and fiscal management, emphasizing 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 Southeast.
Soludo, in his address, said the Second Niger Bridge would remain incomplete until the entire 35km access road was fully constructed. While acknowledging previous setbacks, he thanked President 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.
Soludo further highlighted the importance of sustained federal-state collaboration in infrastructure development, revealing that Anambra had already invested over N150 billion on 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 dualisation of key roads was critical to preventing future congestion and ensuring long-term economic growth in the region,” he stated.
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.
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 Southeast with the rest of Nigeria.
The ceremony began with Igwe Awkuzu, the closest traditional ruler to the venue, offering prayers over the kola nut, invoking blessings for the successful execution of the project.