Umahi Hails Soludo’s Leadership, Flags Off Second Niger Bridge Access Road Construction

Umahi Hails Soludo’s Leadership, Flags Off Second Niger Bridge Access Road Construction  

Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has praised Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, for his transformative leadership and infrastructural strides, particularly in road development.  

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase 2B construction of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, Umahi commended Soludo’s dedication to state development. The project, officially flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marks a crucial step in enhancing transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity in the Southeast.  

Addressing Infrastructure Gaps  

According to Governor Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, while the Second Niger Bridge—commissioned in 2023—has significantly improved travel between the Southeast and other parts of Nigeria, its full potential remains unrealized due to incomplete access roads. The newly launched phase aims to rectify this by constructing a 17.5km dual carriageway featuring seven bridges, security cameras, and other modern infrastructure.  

The road will extend from the Umunya/Ogbunike section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway through the Old Enugu Road Interchange, Ogidi, Nkpor-Umuoji Road Interchange, to the Asaba-Igbuzor Road Interchange and Valley Bridge.  

Umahi Lauds Soludo’s Achievements

Engr. Umahi applauded Soludo’s leadership across multiple sectors, highlighting Anambra’s 18 ongoing federal road projects, including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which has been divided between MTN and another company for efficient execution. He further acknowledged Soludo’s successes in security, education, healthcare, and fiscal management, as well as his commitment to constructing a befitting Anambra Government House.  

Describing Soludo as a strategic ally of President Tinubu, Umahi emphasized that their collaboration has been instrumental in advancing development in Anambra and the broader Southeast. He also urged local communities to support the project and avoid disruptions, reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the region, evident in key appointments such as the Chief of Naval Staff and the Minister of Works.  

Soludo Calls for Continued Collaboration  

In his remarks, Governor Soludo stressed that the Second Niger Bridge project would remain incomplete until the entire 35km access road is fully constructed. Acknowledging previous setbacks, he expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and voiced confidence that, with Umahi at the helm of the Works Ministry, the project would reach completion as planned.  

Soludo also urged community leaders, presidents-general, and traditional rulers to ensure that local youths do not obstruct construction activities. He underscored the importance of sustained federal-state collaboration, revealing that Anambra had invested over N150 billion in federal roads. He further emphasized that dualizing key roads is essential to preventing future congestion and ensuring long-term economic growth in the region.  

Call for Soludo’s Re-election

At the event, Hon. Chinwe Gwacgam, representing Oyi and Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, appealed to the federal government to support Soludo’s re-election in 2025. He argued that Soludo’s continued leadership would guarantee sustained development in Anambra and hinted at a broader political alignment in 2027.