The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has praised Governor Charles Soludo for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructural transformation in Anambra State.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, Umahi highlighted Soludo’s remarkable achievements in governance. The project, officially flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marks a major step in enhancing transportation and connectivity in the Southeast.
Second Niger Bridge: Unlocking Full Potential
According to Governor Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, while the Second Niger Bridge, commissioned in 2023, has eased movement between the Southeast and other parts of Nigeria, its full benefits remain unrealized due to incomplete access roads. The newly launched project aims to bridge this gap with a 17.5km dual carriageway featuring seven bridges, modern infrastructure, and security surveillance.
The road will link the Umunya/Ogbunike axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway to key interchanges at Old Enugu Road, Ogidi, Nkpor-Umuoji, and Asaba-Igbuzor.
Commending Soludo’s leadership, Umahi noted that Anambra currently boasts 18 ongoing federal road projects, including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, now split between MTN and another contractor for efficient execution. He also acknowledged the governor’s strides in security, education, healthcare, and fiscal management, describing him as a formidable ally of President Tinubu in advancing regional development.
Federal-State Collaboration for Sustainable Development
Umahi urged local communities to support the road construction and avoid disruptions, reiterating the federal government’s commitment to the Southeast, evident in key appointments such as the Chief of Naval Staff and the Minister of Works.
In his address, Soludo emphasized that the Second Niger Bridge remains incomplete until the full 35km access road is constructed. While acknowledging previous setbacks, he expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and confidence in Umahi’s leadership to ensure the project’s completion.
He also urged community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth groups to cooperate with contractors to prevent unnecessary delays. Highlighting Anambra’s investment of over N150 billion in federal roads, Soludo stressed the importance of continued federal-state collaboration to avoid congestion and sustain economic growth.
Meanwhile, Hon. Chinwe Gwacgam, representing Oyi and Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, called for federal backing of Soludo’s re-election in 2025. He asserted that such support would secure Anambra’s progress and strengthen broader political alliances ahead of 2027.
