Ogbunike, Anambra State – March 25, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is set to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge. It marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s journey toward improved transportation infrastructure.
The event scheduled to take place at 12:00 noon at the Ogbunike end of the road (33 Nkwelle Junction) along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, promises to be a pivotal milestone in linking Delta and Anambra states. National live coverage is slated to commence at 12:30 p.m., ensuring that millions of Nigerians witness this momentous occasion in real time.
The Second Niger Bridge, which was inaugurated in 2023, has long been heralded as a catalyst for economic transformation in the region. However, its full potential has been hampered by incomplete access roads, forcing many travellers and traders to rely on older, congested routes. The launch of the access road construction today is expected to resolve these challenges by providing a more efficient and reliable corridor, thereby ushering in smoother connectivity between key economic hubs.
As the president addresses the gathering later today, he is anticipated to underscore the broader economic implications of this project. The improved connectivity will not only facilitate faster movement of goods and services across Nigeria but also alleviate the heavy traffic that has historically burdened the ageing infrastructure of the old Niger Bridge. This development is particularly significant for Onitsha, a city known as one of Africa’s largest market hubs, where swift transportation is critical to sustaining its vibrant commercial activities.
In addition to enhancing trade flow, the new road is expected to contribute significantly to the overall safety and security of travellers. By reducing congestion and diverting traffic from previously overburdened routes, there is a strong potential for a marked decrease in road accidents and a more secure transit experience for commuters. The anticipated improvements in travel efficiency will undoubtedly provide a substantial boost to regional economic growth, as businesses benefit from lower transportation costs and faster delivery times.
For those who currently rely on alternative routes, such as the Asaba–Onitsha old bridge or the expressways connecting Benin, Warri, and Nsukka, the new access road represents the promise of a more streamlined journey in the near future. Today’s ceremony is not only a celebration of engineering and progress but also a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to unlocking the full economic potential of the region.
As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on Ogbunike, where President Tinubu’s address is expected to set the tone for future infrastructural initiatives. This event stands as a testament to the enduring belief that robust transportation networks are foundational to national development, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every corner of Nigeria. Stay tuned for live updates as the groundbreaking ceremony unfolds, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s economic and infrastructural landscape.
