‘If 1st Niger Bridge Collapses, 2nd Bridge Will Be Useless’ — Umahi Races to Fix Benin-Asaba Road in 14 Days

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has warned that the multi-billion naira Second Niger Bridge risks becoming redundant if urgent repairs are not carried out on the dilapidated access roads leading to it.

Speaking during an inspection of the Asaba axis of the project on Thursday, Umahi said the Federal Government could no longer watch motorists suffer for days on the Benin-Asaba Highway due to failed sections and poor workmanship.

He specifically directed the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, to fix all damaged service lanes within 14 days.

“If the First Niger Bridge collapses, the beautiful job on the Second Niger Bridge will be rendered useless,” the minister declared, adding, “That is why we must protect the investment by ensuring motorists have smooth access to and from the bridge.”

Umahi ordered CCECC to immediately rehabilitate critical sections at Ubulu-Okiti and Onicha-Ugbo, as well as Chainage 103 to 107, covering about 4 kilometres of dual carriageway. He insisted the repairs must be done “whether you are paid or not” to ease the hardship on road users.

Aerial view of an ongoing flyover construction linking the Benin-Asaba Expressway to the Second Niger Bridge during an inspection visit by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Thursday. PHOTO: SAMUEL JIBUNOR.

The minister also criticized the road concessionaire for failing to maintain its portions, noting that asphalt removed between kilometre 8 and 15 had not been restored, while some newly laid asphalt failed within 24 hours.

Although funding under the NNPC tax-credit scheme has stopped, Umahi said President Bola Tinubu had approved an alternative funding plan. He urged CCECC to continue work on the N148 billion access road project, which is currently at 26.7% completion.

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Delta State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, commended the intervention, saying the state had also begun repairs on some sections ahead of the Yuletide.