Federal Government Commences Phase 2B Access Road for Second Niger Bridge
The Federal Government has commenced construction of the Phase 2B access road to the Second Niger Bridge, a critical infrastructure project designed to ease transportation across Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions. The project, officially flagged off by the Minister of Works, is part of the comprehensive road network aimed at ensuring seamless connectivity to the Second Niger Bridge. The access road is expected to link the bridge to major highways, including the Onitsha–Owerri and Asaba–Benin expressways, thereby reducing travel time, traffic congestion, and logistical bottlenecks in the region.
Infrastructure and Economic Significance
The Second Niger Bridge itself was completed and opened to traffic in 2022, but the absence of fully developed access roads has limited its optimal use. The Phase 2B construction is therefore considered pivotal in unlocking the full economic and social benefits of the ₦336 billion bridge investment.
When completed, the new access road will provide a faster and more efficient alternative to the old Niger Bridge, which has long struggled with overcapacity and structural stress. The improved network is expected to enhance trade flows, reduce transportation costs, and support regional integration, particularly for industries reliant on the Onitsha and Asaba trade corridors.
According to the Ministry of Works, the access road project falls under the Federal Government’s larger agenda of upgrading key national highways. Officials noted that the development is aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope infrastructure programme, which prioritises mobility, safety, and national cohesion.
Looking Ahead
The flag-off of the Phase 2B access road represents a decisive step towards making the Second Niger Bridge fully functional. For investors, logistics operators, and residents of the South-East and South-South, the road is more than a transport corridor, it is a catalyst for growth. Its timely completion will determine how quickly the bridge achieves its intended role in boosting regional commerce and easing inter-state movement.
