Tinubu has approved funds for Second Niger Bridge bypass project, says Umahi

David Umahi, minister of works, says President Bola Tinubu has approved funds for the construction of the second Niger bridge bypass, Lagos-Ibadan highway, and Lafia bypass.

Umahi spoke on Thursday during the inspection of Lafia bypass and dualisation of the Makurdi-Otukpo-9th mile road.

The minister commended the president for approving the release of funds, noting that the projects have been delayed due to issues related to finances.

“I want to thank Mr. President, who, about three days ago, approved that work should immediately commence in many sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road,” the minister was quoted as saying by NAN.

“We were having some problems with funding, but the president has solved the problem and directed the immediate release of funds so that the road construction will continue.

“The same thing with the Lagos-Ibadan highway and the second Niger bridge bypasses.”

The minister commended Benue and Enugu governors for ensuring that contractors work seamlessly on the
Makurdi-Otukpo-9th mile road.

He said the project is being financed by China Exim Bank.

On December 3, 2023, the federal government took delivery of the second Niger bridge from Julius Berger, seven months after it was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Some days later, Umahi told the national assembly that the construction of the approach roads of the second Niger bridge leading to Asaba and Onitsha is being delayed due to funding challenges.

‘ROAD PROJECT WILL BENEFIT BUSINESSES’

Speaking during the project inspection, Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, said the road project would benefit businesses in the state.

“We are pleased that you are beginning the second phase of the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia 9th Mile Road,” Alia said.

“We are very excited that you have already incorporated the prayers we presented to you.

“We thank Mr. President for his thoughtfulness and good heart for the common masses. He is someone who does not want to see people suffer.

“Formerly, a journey from Abuja to Makurdi was four and a half hours, but with this new road, it will take us three hours.”