News
FG Approves Funds For Rehabilitation Of Eko Bridge, Says Umahi
President Bola Tinubu has approved and released funds for the rehabilitation of the 11- kilometer Eko bridge.
The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, said this when he inspected the progress of work on a couple of different projects and bridges yesterday in Lagos.
“The Eko bridge is ongoing; a lot of rehabilitation and giving life to that project is ongoing.
“And I want to let people know that Mr President has already approved and released funds for the entire completion of the Eko Bridge, a total of 11 kilometers.
“And I will go there to look at additional jobs that will be done to re-scope the project to look like the third mainland bridge that we’re working on, which Lagos residents and indeed Nigerians are very happy about,’’ he said.
The minister said that the resurfacing of the third mainland bridge which was about 70 per cent done, was also ongoing again by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Limited (CCECC).
He emphasised the priority of using solar power and CCTV to improve bridges and ensure the happiness of residents of Lagos and Nigerians in general.
He also said that solar powered and CCTV cameras would be mounted above deck and underwater to address illegal sand mining.
Umahi said that Julius Berger was working on pier caps for Carter Bridge, Iddo Bridge, and Third Mainland Bridge.
According to him, the third mainland bridge had four critical elements to be rehabilitated.
He said, “the first one is the deck and the deck is about 11 kilometers by two, that is, dual carriage ways including the ramps and its being done by CCECC.
“The second job is that some sections of the slap deflected and what we have done is to get an expert to understudy the level of deflection.
“The third one is what Julius Berger is doing already which is installation of deteriorated piles and pier caps and the most critical is what we have gone to inspect and that is what is happening with the piles.
“The piles to the bridges are like our legs, if something is wrong with our legs we can no longer stand and if our legs is no longer on the ground, we can no longer stand.
“Some of them we are seeing reinforcement, very dangerous, the casing gone, concrete exposed and no problem, safe cases but the concrete have also been eroded.’’
He acknowledged the importance of inspecting the underwater sections of the bridges for necessary repairs.
He said that an Italian company was brought in to assess the situation with urgency, adding that a decision would be made to address potential issues.
He said, “But then we are also going to look at another scoping which is not yet before Mr President, and that is the most important aspect of this rehabilitation of our bridges and that is what is happening below the water level.
“We already have seen what is happening and so we are taking Berger there.
“We brought in an Italian company to look at it and there are quick actions that we must take to save the bridge. Then we are going to take that decision today.”
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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