President Bola Tinubu has authorised funding, according to Works Minister David Umahi, for the building of the Lafia bypass, the Lagos-Ibadan highway, and the second Niger bridge bypass.
Umahi spoke on Thursday while inspecting the Lafia bypass and dualising the Makurdi-Otukpo-9th mile road.
The minister commended the president for approving the release of funds, noting that the projects had been delayed due to financial issues.
“I want to thank Mr President, who about three days ago, approved that work should immediately commence in many sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road,” the minister was quoted as saying by NAN.
“We were having some problems with funding, but the president has solved the problem and directed for the immediate release of funds so that the road’s construction will continue.
“The same thing with the Lagos-Ibadan highway and the second Niger bridge bypasses.”
The minister praised Benue and Enugu governors for ensuring smooth contractor operations on the Makurdi-Otukpo-9th mile road.
He stated that the project is being financed by China Exim Bank.
On December 3, 2023, the federal government received the second Niger bridge from Julius Berger, seven months after it was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Some days later, Umahi informed the national assembly that the start of construction on the approach roads of the second Niger bridge connecting Asaba and Onitsha is being delayed due to funding issues.
Speaking during the project inspection, Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia stated that the road project would benefit the state’s businesses.
“We are pleased that you are beginning the second phase of the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia 9th Mile Road,” Alia said.
“We are very excited that you have already incorporated the prayers we presented to you.
“We thank Mr President for his thoughtfulness and good heart for the common masses. He is someone who does not want to see people suffer.
“Formerly, a journey from Abuja to Makurdi, is four and half hours but with this new road, it will take us three hours.”
