In the early hours of Wednesday, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola stated that the long-awaited Second Niger Bridge has reached 100 percent completion. Although the minister noted that it is not yet opened for vehicular movement, he, however, revealed that the bridge is now motorable unimpeded.
Babatunde Fashola disclosed this at the ongoing scorecard and ministerial brief in Abuja. The briefing which is in its 3rd edition is a performance review of President Muhammad Buhari’s led administration.
When it is opened for use, the Second Niger Bridge will significantly impact the socio-economic development of the hosting states. While the Federal Government said it committed more than N400 billion to the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the bridge links parts of South-South and South-East zones to the rest of the country.
Fashola however stated that the road linking the bridge which is under construction is the factor delaying its commissioning.
“I can confirm that the second Niger bridge itself is finished. People can walk through the bridge now unimpeded. What remains is the four-kilometre link road on the Asaba side”, he said.
Investors King had earlier reported that the Second Niger Bridge will be ready for use by Christmas. The bridge connects the cities of Asaba in the Delta state and Onitsha in Anambra State.
According to the Acting Controller of Works, Mr Seyi Martins, he noted that travellers will be able to use the bridge during the December festive period.
It could be recalled that Julius Barger International was awarded the construction of the Second Niger Bridge.
Historically, the Second Niger Bridge has often been used as a campaign promise. It was first proposed in 1958, then in 1967 and 1987. Upon the return to civilian rule in 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo promised to deliver the second Niger River bridge.
Yet, no major activity was carried out on the bridge for eight years until five days to the incoming administration of Late Umar Yar’adua.
Similarly, the bridge dragged on until the death of Yar’adua. In 2012, former President Goodluck Jonathan promised to deliver the Second Niger Bridge before the end of 2015. Yet, no significant construction was undertaken on the Second Niger Bridge.
