Fashola promises completion of second Niger Bridge

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola yesterday, assured that the Federal Government would complete the second Niger Bridge and Zik’s Mausoleum, initiated by the last administration.

Fashola gave the assurance at his one-day official visit to the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, where he conducted on-the-spot assessment of work on the bridge and other major projects in the state.

According to him, “When completed, the bridge will bring improvement and accelerate the economic prosperity, transportation and exchange of goods and services across the country.”

The minister also assured that government would compensate appropriate landowners, as well as ensure that the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (EIA) is taken care of.

He disclosed that the bridge was the Federal Government’s first move towards a Public Private Partnership with some investors.He further noted the project as one of the largest infrastructural works being embarked upon by the Federal Government, even as he urged the host communities
not to interrupt the projects’ progress or engage in hostilities.

At the late Nnamdi Azikiwe’s mausoleum in Onitsha, he said the abandoned project would be completed, adding that that it was one little way to appreciate those who served the country.

Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, who stressed the importance of the second Niger Bridge, expressed hope that the project would be completed in good time.