Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja , Nigeria
In a paradigm shifting milestone, construction giant Julius Berger has officially handed over the 1.6 kilometers long Second Niger Bridge to the Federal Government. Estimated at ₦336 billion, the bridge crucially links Anambra and Delta states, providing a vital transportation link in the region. The project, initiated on May 23, 2023, during the waning days of former President Muhammad Buhari’s tenure, faced subsequent construction phases, including ancillary roads.
At a brief ceremony held at the toll area of the bridge, Minister of Works Dave Umahi expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion. He emphasized the bridge’s openness to concession for private companies willing to undertake associated roads, toll collection, and recover their investments. Plans to ease traffic congestion during the festive season at both old and new bridges were also unveiled.
Truth Live News gathered that Senator Umahi acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development, citing the Second Niger Bridge’s completion as a testament to this commitment. However, he clarified that the project wasn’t entirely finished, with pending interchanges aimed at diverting traffic.
Lars Richter, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, clarified that the handover marked a technical transition. He confirmed the completion of the Main Second Niger Bridge, highlighting the readiness of toll stations for operation.
The Second Niger Bridge, an idea dating back to 1978/79, gained momentum during the civilian rule. President Olusegun Obasanjo pledged the bridge, but significant progress only occurred under Jonathan’s administration in 2012.
The Buhari administration initially canceled the project in 2015 but later revived it through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF). The bridge opened for local traffic on December 15, 2022, with temporary routes facilitating accessibility during the Christmas holidays.
The Second Niger Bridge stands as a testament to the benefit of governance as a continuum, it helps to debunk the preconception that the government has blatantly refused to develop the South East. The Second Niger Bridge stands as a testament to the perseverance of a long-standing vision and the collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing vital national infrastructure.