Business
FG commences construction of Second Niger Bridge phase 2B access road

The federal government has begun the construction of Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, the development is an important move in bolstering transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity in the South-East.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, at the groundbreaking ceremony at Ogbunike (33 Nkwelle Junction) along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, on Tuesday, said that the Second Niger Bridge, launched in 2023, has significantly enhanced commuting between the South-East and other parts of the country.
He noted that in spite of this massive improvement, the full benefits of the bridge have been obstructed by incomplete access roads.
He said the newly inaugurated Phase 2B construction is geared towards addressing these challenges by delivering a 17.5km dual carriageway with seven bridges and modern infrastructure, including security cameras around its corridors.
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, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said, “Payments for the project would be tied to work progress, with 30 per cent of the contract sum already disbursed.
“We urged 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.”
The minister also commended Soludo’s commitment to road infrastructure, noting that Anambra currently has 18 ongoing federal road projects, including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which has been split between MTN and another company for effective execution.
Beyond road projects, Umahi acknowledged Soludo’s accomplishments in security, education, healthcare, and fiscal management, emphasising his role in constructing a befitting Anambra Government House.