The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its rapid developmental strides, particularly in enhancing security and infrastructure along the strategic Asaba-Onitsha corridor.
The revered monarch spoke glowingly on Friday during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Monitoring Centre in Asaba, Delta State.
Recalling the recent groundbreaking for the Section 2A access road to the bridge by the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, the Asagba described the new CCTV facility as yet another “commendable and admirable” achievement under the Tinubu-led government.
Prof. Azinge, who is also known as Nna Agu, emphasised that the high-tech security system would significantly curb crime, vandalism, and threats to national infrastructure in the area.
He noted that such measures would restore public confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting critical assets and ensuring safer travel across the Niger.
On behalf of the Asaba community, the monarch thanked the Federal Government for the ongoing rehabilitation of failed sections of the Asaba end of the Asaba-Benin Expressway, a notorious nightmare for commuters that had spilled over to damage local internal roads.
He showered praise on Minister Umahi for demonstrating “courage, purpose, and capacity” in steering the Federal Ministry of Works, expressing optimism that far more milestones would be recorded before the end of the current administration.
In his address, Sen. Umahi announced a fresh Federal Executive Council (FEC) decision banning sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges nationwide, including along the River Niger, to extend the lifespan of vital structures like the First and Second Niger Bridges.
The minister clarified that the CCTV centre, to be operated and maintained by the Delta State Police Command, would eliminate physical checkpoints on the bridge. Instead, operatives would monitor from the centre, promising a swift five-minute response to any emergency.
Umahi revealed that the police would receive two Hilux pickup vans, a flying boat, and a monthly imprest of ₦3 million for logistics, with strict federal oversight to prevent lapses.
He expressed satisfaction with progress on the 17.5-kilometre Section 2A bypass, crediting the Delta State Government’s full compensation payments for the accelerated pace.
The minister highlighted the Tinubu administration’s shift to reinforced concrete pavements for federal road rehabilitation to ensure greater durability.
Umahi also addressed the ongoing 11.8-kilometre rehabilitation from Summit Junction to the Niger Bridge head in Asaba, now redesigned with reinforced concrete and improved drainage.
He frowned at the slow pace and directed the contractor to ramp up efforts for completion before May 29, 2026.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers and Obi of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, joined in appreciation, stating that the CCTV installation would encourage greater use of the underutilised Second Niger Bridge by alleviating motorists’ fears of insecurity.
The event underscored the Tinubu administration’s focus on blending modern technology with durable infrastructure to foster economic connectivity and security in the South-East and South-South regions.
