James Emejo in Abuja
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) yesterday, announced the transfer of the Second Niger Bridge to the federal government following its completion.
The bridge, linking Southeastern Nigeria to other regions, was implemented through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), with NSIA acting as both Fund and Project Manager.
Speaking at the ceremony, NSIA Managing Director/Chief Executive, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said the transfer represented a significant achievement for the for the authority as it aligns with, “our commitment to effectively execute large scale complex projects that positively impact socio-economic conditions for present and future generations of Nigerians”.
The scope of the Second Niger Bridge project involved the construction of a 1.6km concrete box-girder bridge over the River Niger, construction of two secondary bridges at Amakon Village Road and Atani Road of 21.7m each; construction of a new cloverleaf interchange at Onitsha – Owerri Road and construction of 10.3km approach roads from Asaba, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State.
Additionally, a temporary link road, approximately 2.4km long, was constructed from the Asaba end of the Bridge to the Benin-Asaba dual carriageway, enabling immediate bridge operation until the completion of the two 17.5km connecting approach roads.
PIDF was established by the Presidency in 2018 to accelerate certain critical and strategic infrastructure projects to catalyse socio-economic advancement in Nigeria.
Projects under the PIDF include the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and Abuja – Kano Road.
The NSIA collaborated with critical stakeholders such as the Presidency, Federal Ministries of Works, Finance and Justice to fulfil both the technical and financial requirements of the project.
In the statement, Umar-Sadiq said the bridge would boost economic activities by expanding access into the south-eastern part of Nigeria, generating employment opportunities, and improving road safety along the corridor.
He said the authority takes great pride in serving as both the fund and project manager for this strategic infrastructure project as it validates the trust reposed in NSIA by the presidency.
“Furthermore, it aligns with our over-arching objective to stimulate socio-economic development in Nigeria by developing critical infrastructure of national significance,” he said.
