Ndibe Beach Bridge Hits 50% Completion as Super Highway Work Accelerates

 

The Federal Government has intensified construction work on the Ndibe Beach Bridge and the Afikpo–Onueke Highway in Ebonyi State, with contractors expressing confidence that both projects will be delivered in record time.

The two infrastructure schemes form part of a broader Super Highway initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, designed to link the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road with the South-East, North-Central and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja corridors, thereby strengthening national connectivity and trade routes.

When completed, the 648-metre Ndibe Beach Bridge—featuring between 12 and 16 piers—will serve as a critical link between Afikpo Local Government Area in Ebonyi State and Abi Local Government Area in Cross River State. Beyond easing movement between both states, the bridge is expected to open up a major economic corridor stretching through Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa to Abuja, covering an estimated 477 kilometres.

Speaking on the progress of work, the Federal Controller of Works in Ebonyi State, Mr Steve Oluwadun, disclosed that the project has reached about 50 percent completion. He noted that preparations were underway to commence beam installation on already completed columns, describing the pace of work as steady and encouraging.

Community leaders have welcomed the development. The Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Chief Timothy Nwachi, said residents were excited about the project, adding that the bridge would significantly unlock the economic potential of the area upon completion.

Also reacting, the Chairman of Ebonyi State Founding Fathers, Chief Hyacinth Ikpo, recalled that successive governments over the past five decades had promised to construct the bridge without fulfilment. He commended President Tinubu for initiating what he described as a long-awaited intervention, which would finally end decades of reliance on canoe transportation across the river.

The construction firm handling the bridge, represented by Mr John Otu, assured that with continued cooperation from government and host communities, the project would be delivered according to specification and within schedule.

Meanwhile, work is also progressing on the Super Highway section, with Radio Nigeria observing active construction from Ndibe Beach through Eke Market in Afikpo, as well as from Amasiri Junction to Onueke in Ezza South.

The Project Manager, Mr Muhammed Musta, said key components such as continuously reinforced concrete pavement and associated bridge structures on the corridor are expected to be completed by December this year, in line with the project timeline.