PMB inaugurates Second Niger Bridge, other major infrastructure projects
President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the Second Niger Bridge, along with several other infrastructure projects, just six days before the end of his administration.
The Director of Press and Public Relations, Blessing Lere-Adams, announced this in a statement, revealing that the President also inaugurated seven legacy projects completed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing throughout the country.
The concept for the Second Niger Bridge was established in 2005, and an unsuccessful attempt was made in 2014 to initiate the project through Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Construction finally commenced in 2016, funded by the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).
In addition to the Second Niger Bridge, the President also commissioned the Loko-Oweto Bridge, connecting Benue to Nasarawa State, as well as the Ikom Bridge in Cross River State.
READ ALSO: Second Niger Bridge commissioning set for Tuesday, PMB to join via Zoom
Another completed project is a section of the Kano-Kaduna Dual Carriage Expressway, spanning over 200 kilometers. Furthermore, three new Federal Secretariats were unveiled.
“The first Federal Secretariat, located in Awka, is situated on 5.106 hectares of land in the Executive Business District Layout of Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. The project was initially awarded on December 9, 2011, and was practically completed and taken over by the Ministry of Works and Housing on July 14, 2022,” the statement read.
The Awka Federal Secretariat encompasses 498 office spaces, a conference hall, four committee rooms, an exhibition hall, a banking hall, a post office, and a well-equipped reception area. It also features lift facilities, spacious parking areas, drainage systems, a staff canteen, fire hydrants, and other essential facilities.
The second Federal Secretariat, situated in Gusau, Zamfara State, covers 7.5 hectares of land in Unguwan Dan Lawan, off Sokoto By-Pass Road. This project was also awarded on December 9 and practically completed on November 30, 2022.
President Buhari hailed these projects as symbols of his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s infrastructure. He emphasized that the choice to undertake these initiatives was deliberate, as they have significantly boosted Nigeria’s GDP from 20% to 40%, thereby delivering prosperity to its citizens.
Furthermore, the President explained that the government’s debts were tied to infrastructure investments and highlighted the establishment of assets and investments.
He asserted that these projects exemplified the promise of change made by his administration, representing practical efforts to combat multidimensional poverty instead of mere lamentation.
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, expressed that these projects had a profound impact on Nigerians across various geopolitical zones.
He credited the construction work for generating job opportunities, reducing travel time while enhancing comfort, improving business efficiency, and appreciating property values.
Fashola commended the cooperation and support of stakeholders, including ministers, state governors, members of the National Assembly, contractors, traditional leaders, and community leaders in the project locations, for the successful delivery of these projects.
Governors of Anambra and Imo states, Professor Charles Soludo and Hope Uzodima respectively, as well as the Governor of Delta State represented by the Chief of Staff, Rt Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, and the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, delivered goodwill messages during the ceremony. They expressed their joy and commended President Buhari for the significant economic impact these projects would have on the nation.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the names of the Federal Secretariats, honouring prominent figures who have contributed to the development of their respective states. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was recognized for the Bayelsa Federal Secretariat, Ebele Okeke for the Awka Federal Secretariat, and Malam Yahaya Gusau for the Zamfara Federal Secretariat.
As the event came to an end, it was evident that the commissioning of these projects marked a milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
The Second Niger Bridge and the other completed initiatives would undoubtedly contribute to the nation’s progress, prosperity, and improved quality of life for its citizens.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
