The Federal Government has officially launched the construction of Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, a project expected to further ease transportation and boost economic activities across the South-East region. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Ogbunike along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, with President Bola Tinubu represented by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

Speaking at the event, President Tinubu described the bridge, commissioned in 2023, as a game-changer for interstate commuting but noted that its full benefits had been slowed by incomplete access roads. “This new phase will address the missing links by delivering a 17.5-kilometre dual carriageway with seven bridges and modern facilities, including security cameras to ensure safety along the corridor,” he said.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, explained that funding for the project would follow a work-progress model, with 30 per cent of the contract sum already disbursed. He urged host communities to support the construction, warning against disruptions. “President Tinubu’s commitment to South-East development is clear, from key appointments in his government to projects like this one. This road will transform interstate travel, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate trade across Anambra and Delta states,” Umahi said.

Governor Soludo commended the Federal Government’s efforts but stressed that the bridge would only be fully functional when the entire 35-kilometre access road is completed. He appealed to traditional rulers and youth leaders to cooperate with contractors to ensure timely delivery. “We must work together to prevent obstructions. This project is too important for our region’s growth to be delayed,” Soludo said.

The contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, represented by General Manager Gius Cheng, assured stakeholders of timely and quality execution. He pledged that the project would meet international standards and deliver lasting value to the region.

The ceremony featured cultural prayers led by Igwe Awkuzu, the closest traditional ruler to the project site, invoking blessings for its successful completion.

The post FG Flags Off Phase 2B Access Road to Second Niger Bridge appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This announcement came during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Sunday.

Over N18bn Required for Compensation—FG Confirms

Bede Obioha, Director of Federal Highways, Bridges, and Design at the Federal Ministry of Works, confirmed that the total compensation cost exceeds N18 billion.

Obioha stated:

“For Section One (47.7km), the total compensation surpasses N18 billion, and so far, we have disbursed over N15 billion.

We are currently compiling figures for Section Two and will release them once finalised. We’ve ensured transparency throughout this process.”

30km of Highway to Be Commissioned by May 2025

Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced that 30km out of the 70km under Phase 1, Section 1 of the highway will be commissioned by May 2025.

He assured stakeholders that all affected property owners would receive their compensation within 10 days, emphasizing the government’s commitment despite ongoing legal challenges.

Legal Hurdles and Transparency Commitment

While addressing compensation delays, Umahi expressed his frustration:

“I’m quite frustrated, but the law binds me. Initially, N8bn was allocated for compensation based on the Bureau of Public Procurement’s recommendation.

However, we have now reached nearly N18bn.”

Umahi pledged complete transparency:

“We will publish all details, including names, pictures, dimensions, and costs.

Although over 10 court cases regarding compensation remain unresolved, we will comply with all rulings—even escalating the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary.”

Fast-Tracking Payments and Legal Compliance

The Minister instructed Olukorede Keisha, Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, to expedite compensation payments without waiting for additional Federal Executive Council approvals.

“We will complete 100% of the payments within the next 10 days. The affected individuals must access their funds promptly for relocation purposes,” Umahi affirmed.

N10bn Compensation for Eleko Community Under Dangote Tax Credit

Addressing developments in the Eleko Community, Umahi revealed that the government would pay an additional N10 billion in compensation related to the Dangote Group’s tax credit under the Lekki Free Trade Zone project.

“The Eleko Community project represents significant progress. We plan to start compensation payments by mid-March after additional stakeholder engagements.

We will ensure proper compensation for all affected properties,” he added.

The post FG Disburses N15bn Compensation for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Demolitions appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

He explained that concrete construction on the East-West Road would prevent frequent collapses caused by flooding and erosion.

Umahi emphasized that concrete roads last 50 to 100 years, unlike asphalt roads, which typically deteriorate within 10 years.

Inspecting Delta State’s Umeh community portion, he assured residents the project would be completed and commissioned by May 25.

The minister added that raising the road above flood plains with concrete would address persistent structural issues permanently.

He highlighted that concrete’s resistance to rainfall and underground water damage makes it ideal for flood-prone areas.

“The asphalt fails when underground water reaches its base, but concrete withstands such conditions for decades,” Umahi noted.

He revealed that the first section near Umeh market spans 2.5 kilometers, with an additional 3-kilometer stretch planned.

Contractors have completed nearly one kilometer of work, including relief covers to manage water flow efficiently across sections.

Umahi confirmed similar construction efforts toward Ahoada and Bayelsa, ensuring consistency in addressing flood-related road failures.

“The water table along the East-West Road is high; we’re isolating flood-prone areas and raising pavements,” he explained.

Community chairman, Mr. Dennis Agbakpa, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for swiftly addressing their road concerns.

Agbakpa requested additional improvements, including installing culverts and upgrading the local market affected by previous flooding.

The Minister also inspected other ongoing remedial works along Delta State’s section of the East-West Road.

He reiterated that all contractors are committed to meeting deadlines, ensuring the road’s completion and durability before the rainy season.

The post Umahi Advocates Concrete for East-West Road, Promises 100-Year Durability appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Trucks, SUVs, minibuses, and cars will pay ₦6,400, ₦4,000, ₦3,200, and ₦2,000, respectively, for a full journey across the four toll plazas located at Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, and Makurdi.

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, emphasized that commercial vehicles will receive a 50% discount, while motorcycles, tricycles, security, and diplomatic vehicles are exempted. He noted that tolling revenue will support road maintenance and repay the China Exim Bank loan used for the project.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State called for public sensitization on the tolling system, highlighting its economic and security benefits.

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