Umahi Explains Delay in Second Niger Bridge Usage

• The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, stated that the second Niger Bridge might not be operational until the completion of bypasses in Asaba and Onitsha
• Umahi highlighted the funding challenges, estimating the cost of the bypasses to be around N260 billion, critical for the bridge’s functionality

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has revealed that the recently completed second Niger Bridge may not be operational until the construction of the two bypasses in Asaba (Delta State) and Onitsha (Anambra State) is completed. Umahi highlighted the cost of the bypasses, estimating them to be around N260 billion. He expressed concern over the lack of funding for these crucial projects, which are vital for the proper functioning of the second Niger Bridge.

While defending the 2024 budget before the National Assembly joint committee on Works, Umahi explained, “Additionally, there remains the construction of the approach roads 2A and 2B which were awarded by FEC (Federal Executive Council) but have funding challenges to start.”

Umahi emphasized the importance of the bypasses, stating, “Let me note that without these bypasses, the completed second Niger Bridge will be almost inoperative.”

The Senate expressed dissatisfaction with the delay and non-completion of road projects by contractors across the country. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Mpigi Barinada, criticized the attitude of some contractors and pledged to ensure that government funds are not wasted.

He remarked, “We frown on a situation where contractors will be mobilized, and on visiting their sites by virtue of oversight of the projects, most of those sites you won’t find contractors.”

During the session, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, raised concerns about the spending on the second Niger Bridge. She noted that approximately N336 billion had been spent, but completion depended on the two critical roads costing N260 billion, which had not been funded.

Akpoti-Uduaghan urged a holistic approach to road networks in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing critical roads to avoid incomplete projects.

In response to budget concerns, Umahi reported that the ministry generated N723 million in revenue from January to November 2023, and N657 billion was proposed for the ministry and its parastatals in the 2024 Appropriation Bill.