The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola has ordered the closure of the Second Niger Bridge and sections of other major roads earlier opened to ease traffic for the 2022 Christmas celebrations.
Giving the directive in Abuja on Wednesday, Fashola said that this is to enable contractors to return to the site to complete work on the various projects.
A statement by Engr. Folorunso Esan, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reads: “Recall that barricades were removed at all construction sites on December 15, 2022, for ease of movement to reduce travel time during the yuletide season.
“Contractors are now set to resume work on major highways, especially the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway( from OPIC to the old toll gate ) and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway (around Kawo on the Kaduna-Zaria Section).
“To this end the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has directed that construction barricades be returned at construction sites for safety purposes with effect from Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
“The Second Niger Bridge will, however, remain closed for public use with effect from Sunday, January 15, 2023, for the continuation of work on the completion of the access roads to the bridge.
“The Honourable Minister seeks the patience and understanding of motorists and members of the public on this action aimed at completing the ongoing projects”.
On 15th December, the 1.6 kilometers long bridge, which links Anambra and Delta States, was opened for vehicular movement.
The first driver to pass through the bridge, Sunday Emem, expressed his delight: “I feel so happy, at least it will reduce the hold-up. We’ve stayed over one hour at the other bridge”.
Fashola had said then that the bridge would be open to traffic from 15th December 2022 to 15th January 2023 to ease the experience of travellers during Yuletide break.
