NSIA Thinks Economic Gains As FG Takes Over 2nd Niger Bridge
BY EDMOND ODOK – Following the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) said its official transfer to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) will ultimately boost economic activities and engagements between the South East and other geo-political zones in the country.
The Bridge, which links South-Eastern Nigeria to other regions, was implemented through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), with NSIA acting as both the Fund and Project Manager.
According to the Authority, the project’s scope involved the construction of a 1.6km concrete box-girder bridge over the River Niger; construction of two (2) 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 in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State.
Also covered is a temporary link road, approximately 2.4km long, constructed from the Asaba end of the Bridge to the Benin-Asaba dual carriageway. This enabled immediate bridge operation until the completion of the two 17.5km connecting approach roads.
Speaking at the hand-over ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said; “The transfer of the Second Niger Bridge to the Federal Government of Nigeria represents a significant achievement for the NSIA.”
Umar-Sadiq further explained that the development “aligns with our commitment to effectively execute large-scale complex projects that positively impact socio-economic conditions for present and future generations of Nigerians”.
In his reaction, the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, expressed satisfaction with the project, noting that the Second Niger Bridge is ‘impeccable, very beautiful and well completed’.
In delivering on the Second Niger Bridge, NSIA collaborated with critical stakeholders such as the Presidency, Federal Ministries of Works, Finance, and Justice to fulfill both the technical and financial requirements of the project.
Expectedly, the Bridge will boost economic activities by expanding access into the Southeastern part of Nigeria, generating employment opportunities, and improving road safety along the corridor.
Importantly, the Authority said serving as both the Fund and Project Manager for this strategic infrastructure project validated the trust that the Presidency reposed in NSIA and its management team.
Additionally, it stated that the project “aligns with our over-arching objective to stimulate socio-economic development in Nigeria by developing critical infrastructure of national significance.”
The PIDF was established by the Presidency in 2018 to accelerate certain critical and strategic infrastructure projects aimed at catalyzing socio-economic advancement in Nigeria.
So far, projects under the PIDF include the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and Abuja – Kano Road.