President Bola Tinubu on Monday, March 24, 2025, officially flagged- off the construction of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, linking Delta and Anambra States.
The event held in Oko, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, saw Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, representing the president at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Tinubu, speaking through Gov. Oborevwori, described the project as a key component of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enhancing road infrastructure, boosting economic activities, and improving connectivity in the region.
“Today, marks another milestone in the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration. The construction of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge is a testament to our commitment to providing road infrastructure of the most vital interest and cost,” Tinubu stated.
He recalled that the opening of the Second Niger Bridge in December 2022, was a breakthrough in road transportation between the South-East and the rest of Nigeria.
However, he noted that the absence of proper access roads had posed challenges for road users, which the new project, being handled by CCECC Nigeria Limited, aims to resolve.
“The access road we are flagging -off today is a direct response to challenges faced by road users. It is expected to improve connectivity, enhance road safety, and boost trade and performance, which the Southeast region is known for,” the president added.
He assured that the project would be executed with urgency, stating that by the end of the year and into the next, the road structure would be made accessible for public use.
“This project has been made possible through the work of the government to build a community, to strengthen it, and to improve its roads and infrastructure.
“It will create opportunities, boost tourism, generate free movement of goods and services from production centers to sales outlets, and improve the overall quality of life,” Tinubu stated.
Speaking further, President Tinubu appealed to motorists and residents to exercise patience, and cooperate with the contractors as the project progresses.
“I appeal to motorists to exercise calm and patience and cooperate with the contractors during this construction process,” the president stated.
He acknowledged that there would be some inconveniences during the construction period, but urged citizens to support the development efforts.
“There will be some inconveniences in movement during this period, and I know that the people here will cooperate with the contractor because, as progressives, we need development across the nation,” Tinubu said.
The president assured that the government was committed to ensuring the project was completed on schedule and to global standards.
“I am confident in the capacity of the contractor to not only complete the job on schedule but also deliver quality work in line with global standards,” he affirmed.
Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, identified payment of compensation as a major challenge to project construction in the country.
“A policy was passed by the Federal Executive Council that state governors should be able to assist in terms of compensation. And so, what will delay us will be compensation,” he said.
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He explained that while the government had directed the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, to begin work in areas without compensation conflicts, the Federal Ministry of Works would work with the state government to resolve pending compensation matters.
“Even though enumeration is ongoing, it has to be submitted to the governor so that they can use the state’s instruments to conduct their evaluation. We can’t evaluate and ask you to pay. Federal payment is different from state payment,” Umahi added.
The minister also assured that funding for the project had been secured, revealing that 30 percent of the contract sum had already been paid administratively, though the contractor had yet to receive the funds.
“Our new policy is that when you are given a job as a contractor, you must move to the site. We have to see permanent work going on. So, we are holding the money—it is in our ministry,” he said.
Umahi warned that contractors must deliver as scheduled, emphasizing that there would be no allowances for delays or cost variations.
The 17.55-kilometer road, awarded to CCECC Nigeria Limited, passes through several communities in Delta State, including Issele-Azagba, Okpanam, Ibusa, Asaba, Okwe, and Oko-Amakun, before linking with the Second Niger Bridge into Anambra State.
The primary objective of the project is to ease traffic congestion on the Asaba-Benin Road, which currently experiences heavy traffic, particularly during festive seasons.
The climax of the event was Gov. Oborevwori, on behalf of President Tinubu, officially flagging -off the construction of the access road, marking another milestone in the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Nigeria.
