. Project gulps N400bn since inception
After many years of delay, the first phase of the second Niger Bridge project is expected to be inaugurated by October this year.
Upon completion, the bridge will minimize traffic congestion on the old bridge and to strengthen connectivity in the South-East, while boosting economic activities and development in the region.
The bridge is being executed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), with funding from the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.
Infrastructure development – from transport systems to power generation and water and sanitation is regarded as critical for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as they provide the services that enable society to function and economies to thrive.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, who led the team on an inspection of the bridge on Tuesday, revealed that the bridge has so far gulped over N400billion would finally be delivered in October.
Expressing the government’s satisfaction with the project and quality of work done, Gambari explained that out of the N400billion already spent, the previous administration committed N10billion into the project.
He added that contrary to insinuations, the project is being funded 100% by the Nigerian government.
Gambari was accompanied on the inspection by the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; the Managing Director, NSIA, Uche Orji; and other top government officials.
The bridge is being executed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), with funding from the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.
Also commenting, Fashola recalled that two years ago, there were rumours that there was no bridge, adding that the fast pace of work on the site against all odds has proven otherwise.
He however warned that ahead of the inauguration, there would be power disruption around the bridge head for two weeks in April.
This is to enable the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to relocate and realign the transmission lines to pave the way for the completion of the ring roads connecting the bridge from all routes.
He said: “Power will be shut down for two weeks to enable the generating and transmission companies as well as the Ministry of Power to work seamlessly on the project.
“We plead that those affected will cooperate as nobody will be shut out permanently. April is the completion date. Earlier, I said it will end in February or latest, end of first quarter.
“Before now, some people said there was no bridge, but now, we are walking on the bridge. This is real now. Plus or minus, when we cross the Ts and dot the Is, we will complete it as promised – 11km and 12km on both sides of the bridge.”
Power will be shut down for two weeks to enable the generating and transmission companies as well as the Ministry of Power to work seamlessly on the project
Bridge components
The second Niger Bridge is being constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and involves the construction of a 1.6km bridge over the River Niger.
Other parts of the project include the construction of two secondary bridges at Amakom Village Road, and Atani Road spanning 21.7m each, which have been completed.
There will also be a demolition of the existing flyover and construction of a new interchange at the Onitsha-Owerri Road, scheduled for completion in August.
The project also involves the construction of a 3.3km approach road on the Asaba, Delta State side, and a 7km approach road on the Onitsha side of the main bridge, scheduled for completion in October.
There is also an 8-lane toll plaza on each side of the bridge, and site clearing of the Right of Way (RoW) including the removal of all bush, trees and shrubs as well as soil improvement, including soil exchange and a host of others.
