The challenge of accessing the Second Niger Bridge would soon be a thing of the past as the Federal Government, Monday, commenced the construction of the 17.5km dual carriage access road.

Flagging off the ceremony, President Bola Tinubu, said his administration was responding to challenges faced by road users by improving connectivity, safety and boosting of trade and commerce across the country.

Represented by the Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the President said the construction of the Access Road was a testament to his administration?s commitment to providing road infrastructure of the most vital interest and consequence.

He said the opening of the Second Niger Bridge to motorists in December 2022, heralded a new dawn in road transportation between the South East and the rest of Nigeria.

"This Bridge is a landmark infrastructural project because of its significance in linking Asaba-Benin and Onitsha-Enugu dual-carriageways, two of the most significant highways in the country.

"This project demonstrates this administration?s unwavering commitment to accelerating infrastructural development and economic growth.

"A strong and resilient economy is built on the ability of the government to build modern infrastructure, provide public amenities, and expand social services," he said.

President Tinubu further insisted that good transportation networks facilitate easy mobility, creates employment opportunities, boosts tourism, engenders free movement of goods and services from production centres to sales outlets, and improves overall quality of life.

He said: "Consequently, governments all over the world invest heavily to develop their infrastructure and create the enabling environment for economic and industrial development.

"It is an open secret that the existing infrastructure in Nigeria do not match our growth aspirations. Indeed, For Nigeria to become a global economic powerhouse, we must upgrade and modernise our infrastructure, which are imperative for the country?s economic prosperity.

"It is against this backdrop that this administration is determined to construct, reconstruct, expand, and modernise our road, rail, and water networks as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ongoing multi-billion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and other critical road infrastructure projects in different parts of the country will, undoubtedly, enhance rural-urban integration and connect transporters, traders, entrepreneurs, and investors to vital commercial hubs and industrial corridors."

The President said: "As we flag-off this project today, I want to commend the governments of Delta and Anambra States for their cooperation and support. This kind of partnership and synergy are imperative for trust, good governance, national cohesion, and sustainable development.

"Let me use this opportunity to appeal to motorists to exercise calm and patience and cooperate with the contractors during the construction process.

"Naturally, there will be some inconveniences in movement during this period. I have confidence in the capacity of the contractors to not only complete the job on schedule, but also deliver quality in line with global best standards."

Governor Oborevwori had in his opening remarks, commended President Tinubu for his patriotic fervour and allegiance to the development of every part of the country.

"Yesterday, the concessioning and rehabilitation of the Benin-Asaba Expressway was flagged off in Benin, Edo State. Today we are witnessing the flag-off of the Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge.

"The Benin-Asaba Expressway is a strategic link road connecting Edo and Delta States and some parts of the South-West, while the Second Niger Bridge is the major gateway to the South-East and South-South regions of the country.

"These roads are critical for trade and commerce and, on behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I want to express our profound gratitude to Mr President for his exemplary leadership and unflagging commitment to national infrastructure renewal.

"The government and good people of Delta State celebrate Mr President, and pray for God?s continued wisdom and guidance for him to achieve the noble objectives of his Renewed Hope Agenda," he said.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, in his speech, lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to peace, stability and progress of the state, and for his support for the President irrespective of party differences.

Umahi said the federal government was very happy with the developmental initiative of the Oborevwori's administration, adding that the Governor had taken a huge burden from its shoulders through the state government's interventions on federal roads in the state.

"Your actions, your commitment to the development of your people, your character, content and conduct best described you as a progressive. I didn't start knowing you today, we have been friends and l am very proud to be your friend.

"Delta state is now a huge construction site. When l went to Warri, l saw the huge three flyovers that you are doing on our roads. I am very, very proud about the quality, the length, the aesthetics and the progressiveness of those projects.

"We are very happy because it is a burden that you lifted up from our shoulders. You are indeed, a man of the people considering the many other federal road projects that you are intervening", the Minister added.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr Olufunsho Adebiyi, had earlier disclosed that the access road linking Delta/Anambra States, Phase 2A Contract, in Asaba, would serve as a vital transportation corridor connecting the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.

He said the strategic road traverses multiple communities in Delta State including Issele-Azagba, Okpanam, Ibusa, Asaba, Okwe, Oko-Amakun before linking the second Niger Bridge.

He said the road was designed to enhance regional connectivity and alleviate congestion on existing road networks, adding that the project was a significant step towards improving infrastructure, boosting economic activities and fostering sustainable development in the region.

?PHOTO: Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori representative of President Bola Tinubu (3rd right); Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi (4th left), Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM, Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo ( 2nd right), the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof Epiphany Azinge (right), the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Luke Kalanama viii, ( 2nd left), the Ako of Oko, Engr. Osita Eze ( left) during the flag-off of the construction of access road to the second Niger Bridge linking Delta/Anambra states in Asaba on Monday.

Update news