The longstanding challenge of accessing the Second Niger Bridge is set to become history, as the Federal Government on Monday officially flagged off the construction of the 17.5km dual carriageway access road linking Delta and Anambra States.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, performed the groundbreaking ceremony, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing infrastructural deficits and enhancing national connectivity.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu emphasized that the road project aligns with the broader goals of his Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving transportation, boosting trade, and accelerating economic growth across Nigeria.
“This bridge is a landmark infrastructure project, connecting the Asaba-Benin and Onitsha-Enugu expressways—two of the country’s most strategic highways,” he stated. “It demonstrates our unwavering resolve to build a modern, resilient economy through quality infrastructure.”
The President stressed that modern road networks not only improve mobility and trade but also drive job creation, tourism, and national integration.
“It is an open secret that Nigeria’s existing infrastructure does not match our growth aspirations. To become a global economic powerhouse, we must modernize our transport systems—road, rail, and waterways. This project is a step in that direction,” Tinubu said.
He also lauded the partnership of the Delta and Anambra State Governments, describing their cooperation as crucial to the success of the initiative. He urged motorists and residents to remain patient during the construction process, assuring that the contractors would deliver on time and to international standards.
Delta State Commends FG’s Commitment
In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori praised President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive development, noting that back-to-back project flag-offs—first in Benin for the Benin-Asaba Expressway, and now in Asaba—signaled a new era of infrastructure renewal.
“These two projects—the Benin-Asaba Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge access road—are critical to the socio-economic development of the South-South, South-East, and South-West regions,” Oborevwori said. “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I thank Mr. President for his vision and dedication.”
FG Applauds Delta’s Support on Federal Projects
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, commended Governor Oborevwori for supporting federal infrastructure projects in Delta, regardless of political affiliation. He noted that the state’s ongoing road interventions had relieved the federal government of considerable financial and logistical burdens.
“Delta State is a massive construction zone. I’ve seen the quality and scale of the three major flyovers being built in Warri and other federal road projects supported by the state government. Governor Oborevwori is a true progressive leader,” Umahi said.
Road to Spur Economic Integration
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, described the access road—part of Phase 2A—as a vital transportation corridor. It will traverse several Delta communities including Issele-Azagba, Okpanam, Ibusa, Asaba, Okwe, and Oko-Amakun, before linking to the Second Niger Bridge.
According to Adebiyi, the project will significantly enhance inter-regional connectivity between the South-South and South-East, reduce congestion, and drive sustainable economic growth.
