Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has re-awarded the contract for the construction of two bypasses on the 2nd Niger Bridge, linking the Asaba-Benin and Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageways.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, announced this on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the South-South Caucus of the 10th Assembly at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Umahi said President Bola Tinubu approved the project to address longstanding road infrastructure challenges in the region.
“Mr. President has approved the re-award of the two bypasses of the 2nd Niger Bridge linking Asaba-Benin and Enugu-Onitsha dual-carriageways,” he stated.
The minister also disclosed that Tinubu had authorised the commencement of Section III of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and prioritised work on the East-West Road.
“The four Legacy Projects of Mr. President are the icing on the cake,” Umahi said, assuring that the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar road would be completed with continued support.
He further revealed that the President had ordered the termination of non-performing contracts on federal roads, adding that improved infrastructure would drive economic growth.
On projects in the South-South, Umahi said, “Just yesterday, the Federal Executive Council re-awarded three sections of the East-West Road, specifically the Eleme-Onne road.
“We have agreed to commit RCC Ltd within the first 15 kilometres of the carriageway, including one bridge and one flyover.”
He stressed the need to engage two more contractors to ensure the road’s completion by December.