From Owen Akenzua
Challenge of accessing the second Niger bridge would soon become a thing of the past, as the federal government, yesterday, commenced the construction of the 17.5km dual carriage access road.
Flagging off the ceremony, President Bola Tinubu said his administration is responding to the challenges faced by road users by improving connectivity, safety and boosting of trade and commerce across the country.
Represented by the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the president said the construction of the access road is a testament to his administration’s commitment to provide road infrastructure.
He said the opening of the Second Niger Bridge to motorists in December 2022 heralded a new dawn in road transportation between the South East 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 accelerate infrastructural development and economic growth.
“A strong and resilient economy is built on the ability of government to build modern infrastructure, provide public amenities and expand social services,” he said.
President Tinubu insisted that good transportation networks facilitate easy mobility, creates employment opportunities, boosts tourism, engenders free movement of goods and services from production centres to sales outlets and improves overall quality of life.
He said: “Consequently, governments all over the world invest heavily to develop their infrastructure and create an enabling environment for economic and industrial development.
“It is an open secret that the existing infrastructure in Nigeria do not match our growth aspirations. Indeed, For Nigeria to become a global economic powerhouse, we must upgrade and modernise our infrastructure, which are imperative for the country’s economic prosperity.
“It is against this backdrop that this administration is determined to construct, reconstruct, expand and modernise our road, rail and water networks as part of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
“The ongoing multi-billion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and other critical road infrastructure projects in different parts of the country will, undoubtedly, enhance rural-urban integration and connect transporters, traders, entrepreneurs and investors to vital commercial hubs and industrial corridors.”
The president said: “As we flag-off this project today, I want to commend the governments of Delta and Anambra States for their cooperation and support. This kind of partnership and synergy are imperative for trust, good governance, national cohesion and sustainable development.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to motorists to exercise calm and patience, and cooperate with the contractors during the construction process.
“Naturally, there will be some inconveniences in movement during this period. I have confidence in the capacity of the contractors to not only complete the job on schedule, but also deliver quality in line with global best standards.”
