We Are Funding 2nd Niger Bridge With Abacha Loot – Fashola

The Federal Government has given an update on the ongoing second Niger bridge project. The government said part of the money being used to fund the second Niger Bridge was recovery from the Abacha looted fund, adding that the project will be delivered in 2022.

The update was given by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, during an interactive section on Classic FM’s programme, The Discourse on Sunday.

The former Lagos State Governor, though lamented the lack of funding based on Nigeria over reliance on oil as a major source of revenue but expressed gratitude that his ministry has been able to carry out some road projects irrespective of the challenges.

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He then called on Nigerians to be patient with the current administration, adding that the major challenge facing this administration in executing the making of its intended projects is money.

On the second Niger Bridge, Fashola said the project is being funded by the Presidential Development Fund, a fund raised by the National Savings and Investment (NSI), and recovery from the Abacha looted fund.

“It is being funded by the Presidential development fund, and that fund is raised not only with government money but also investment raised by the NSI and also recovery from the Abacha share but strictly, the project should be delivered in 2022.

“It is not just a bridge; it is the smallest component of that project. It is a road network of about 20 kilometers, about 11 on the Anambra side, nine on the Asaba side and another further network of roads that link you to Oweri, the bridge road will be finished sometime early next year, and then road works continue.”

On Housing, the minister said the government is building houses based on the preference of the people in each geopolitical zone of the country. He cited the north as an example, saying that the people in the region preferred bungalow houses.