FG Declares Commitment to Complete Second Niger Bridge, Zik’s Mausoleum

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has undertaken a one-day inspection and stakeholders’ consultation tour of the second Niger Bridge reiterating the federal government’s commitment to its completion along with the Zik Mausoleum in Onitsha.

Speaking at both the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba in Delta State during a consultative visit and in Anambra State at a stakeholders’ meeting that had the state governor, Dr Willie Obiano and the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe in attendance, Fashola pledged the determination of the present administration to complete the bridge pointing out that the project was one that is of priority to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Built in 1965, the existing Niger Bridge has remained the crucial East-West link over the years. However, due to the immense traffic arising from the economic activities on the South-East and South-West transport corridor, the federal government under the last administration initiated the construction of the Second Niger Bridge.

While speaking at the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba, after being received by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro at the airport, Fashola told the Royal Father who was represented by the Iyase of Asaba, Patrick Onyeobi, that the president is committed to the continuation and completion of the Second Niger Bridge.

Also while addressing the Anambra state governor and the Obi of Onitsha among others, at a consultative meeting, the minister who reiterated governments determination to complete the project, stated that another reason for his visit was to address some of the issues that have arisen as a result of the project such as compensation and community issues, according to a statement yesterday by his media aide, Hakeem Bello.

While noting that the second Niger Bridge, as a support to the first Niger Bridge connects the East and the West and links to the Iweto Bridge which also connects the North and the South, Fashola appealed to the communities for peace to enable the completion of the projects in the interest of the nation.