Julius Berger, the leading construction company in Nigeria, has completed the construction of the Second Niger Bridge and handed it over to the Federal Government. The bridge, which spans 1.6 km across the Niger River, connects Asaba in Delta State with Onitsha in Anambra State. It is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance trade and commerce, and improve the socio-economic well-being of the people in the South-East and South-South regions.
The handing over ceremony was held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the bridge site. Federal government of Nigeria commended Julius Berger for delivering the project on time and within budget. He also praised the company for its high standards of quality and safety, as well as its corporate social responsibility initiatives. He said the bridge was a testament to his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development and national integration.
The bridge, which connects Asaba in Delta State with Onitsha in Anambra State, is expected to have the following impacts:
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– Ease traffic congestion: The bridge will reduce the pressure on the existing Niger Bridge, which was built in 1965 and is often overcrowded and prone to breakdowns. The new bridge will provide an alternative route for travelers and commuters and improve the flow of traffic between the South-East and South-South regions.
– Enhance trade and commerce: The bridge will facilitate the movement of goods and services across the Niger River and boost the economic activities of the region. The bridge will also link the Onitsha Main Market, which is the largest market in West Africa, with other markets in Delta State and beyond. The bridge will also create opportunities for new businesses and investments in the region.
– Improve the socio-economic well-being of the people: The bridge will improve the access to education, health care, and other social amenities for the people living in the region. The bridge will also create employment opportunities for the local communities, especially during the construction and maintenance phases. The bridge will also enhance the security and safety of the people, as it will reduce the risk of accidents and criminal activities on the road.
The Second Niger Bridge is a landmark project that demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Government to infrastructural development and national integration. The bridge is designed to have a service life of 120 years and to withstand earthquakes, floods, and heavy loads.
It has four lanes of 3.75 meters width each, two emergency lanes of 3 meters width each, and a pedestrian walkway of 1.5 meters width on both sides. It also has streetlights, traffic signals, CCTV cameras, and other modern features. The bridge is expected to reduce travel time between Asaba and Onitsha from two hours to 15 minutes.
The Chairman of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, expressed his gratitude to the President and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for entrusting the company with the landmark project. He said Julius Berger was proud to be part of Nigeria’s history and development and assured that the company would continue to provide excellent services to its clients and stakeholders. He also thanked the host communities, the security agencies, and the media for their support and cooperation throughout the project.
The Second Niger Bridge project started in 2014 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. It was initially estimated to cost N117 billion and to be completed in 2018. However, due to funding challenges, design modifications, and security issues, the project suffered several delays and cost overruns.
The project was eventually revived by the Buhari administration, which secured a $500 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and increased the budget to N336 billion. The project also included the construction of 10.3 km of link roads and toll plazas on both ends of the bridge.
The bridge is designed to have a service life of 120 years and to withstand earthquakes, floods, and heavy loads. It has four lanes of 3.75 meters width each, two emergency lanes of 3 meters width each, and a pedestrian walkway of 1.5 meters width on both sides. It also has streetlights, traffic signals, CCTV cameras, and other modern features. The bridge is expected to reduce travel time between Asaba and Onitsha from two hours to 15 minutes, and to boost economic activities in the region.