As promised recently, President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday unveiled the 2nd Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The bridge will be completed at a total cost of N117 billion, according to information available to Huhuonline.com.
According to the president, the Federal Government will not be fully responsible for the funding of the project, but the bridge will be in partnership with the private sector for a concession period of 25 years.
To disappoint critics thinking the project might not be completed, Jonathan expressed seriousness about the timely delivery of the project, and has therefore made available N30 billion, which is 25 per cent of the cost of construction. He added that the bridge would be constructed under a “design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT)” agreement with Messrs Julius Berger-NSIA Consortium with which the concession agreement was reached.
Jonathan said the fulfilment of this promise is part of his administration’s Transformation Agenda in the road sector.
“We have set out to construct two very important new bridges, across our nation’s two great rivers — the River Niger and River Benue. These are the Loko-Oweto Bridge linking Nassarawa and Benue States, which is progressing satisfactorily, and this 2nd Niger Bridge, connecting Anambra and Delta States.
“The 2nd Niger Bridge, whose foundation we are laying today, represents a strategic national infrastructure, with great socioeconomic prospects for the contiguous states, and indeed, for the entire nation.
“It is an important economic artery that will connect the great markets of Onitsha and Aba, as well as the industrial hub of Nnewi and beyond, to both the Northern and Southern parts of our country.
“On completion, this bridge, which is being constructed almost 50 years after the existing bridge opened to traffic, will alleviate the pains experienced by travellers as a result of congestion of the old bridge, particularly during festive periods. It will massively improve road transportation in the South-East of Nigeria, and also reduce travel times substantially in this part of the country.
“This project has been programmed in strict compliance with the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission Act, and the Public Procurement Act. No stone has been left unturned in ensuring the success of the project, considering the several unsuccessful attempts by past administrations to deliver this vital bridge”, Jonathan said, also expressing belief that the bridge would deepen national integration and enhance economic and social interaction among the people of other states and those in the South-East.
Jonathan further told the gathering that next week, in Abuja, he would inaugurate the National Conference.
“And it seems appropriate that this bridge and the Conference, two major emblems of national cohesion, are being inaugurated within the same period”, he said. “I would like to assure you all that every effort will be made to ensure that this 2nd Niger Bridge is delivered”.
Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji who last night emerged as Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, described the bridge as an important gateway to Onitsha and other cities of the South-East, recalling how Nigerians had complained about the first Niger bridge, which has carried a lot of weight since it was built.
“This wear and tear on the first bridge has necessitated the urgent cries of our people for a second bridge; and for many years our people have put this demand on the front seat of our priority demands from the Federal Government.
“Mr. President promised to attend to our request, and true to your promise to our people, you are here to flag off the construction of this second bridge across the Niger. The entire people of the south-east region are grateful for your magnanimity, and assure you of our cooperation and supports at all times.
“We want to put it on record that the commencement of work on the second Niger Bridge is just one of the many benefits [that] the Federal Government is conferring on our region at this time.
“We are presently witnessing the ongoing work at the Enugu-Umuahia-Port Harcourt Expressway, and the declaration of a state of emergency on the restoration of all Federal roads in the south-east region by Honourable Minister for Works, Arc Mike Onolomemen.
The south-east region and Ndigbo believe that Mr. President means well for Nigerians and our people. You have enthroned equity in the Nigerian political system and given hope that all marginalised groups in the nation, can find anchor and realisation of their interests within a united and equitable Nigeria.
“That is why our region will do whatever it takes to work closely with you, so that equity, fairness and parity is achieved in the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he continued.
“Today, as you have shown in many occasions, you have again demonstrated that you are one President of the Nation, a change agent of transformation who keeps his promise to the marginalised and the entire nation.
“And as you flag off the construction of this second Niger Bridge, our region is already counting on the blessings of accelerated economic benefits, and see new reasons to believe in you and the successful completion of this project in no distant date”.
