By Stella Odueme
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State, in a move aimed at improving transportation, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting economic activities.
The project was officially flagged off by Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, on behalf of the President, in Bida.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bago described the project as a significant milestone in renewing the hope of residents and motorists who depend on the road, which serves as a vital economic corridor.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, on Wednesday, he thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development and pledged to mobilise support for his re-election, expressing determination to secure victory for the President and the All Progressives Congress at all levels in the state.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the Federal Government had initiated about 5,500 kilometres of road projects across the North-Central zone, with Niger State accounting for more than 1,000 kilometres.
Umahi attributed the increased investment in infrastructure to the fiscal space created by the removal of fuel subsidy, adding that the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road was being financed by the Dangote Group through the Federal Government's tax-credit financing model.
He explained that the project would be constructed using continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology, designed to provide a durable and climate-resilient road surface.
The minister also called for the re-election of President Tinubu, arguing that it would enable the administration to complete ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, recalled the Federal Government's intervention on the failed Dikko Junction–Maje Road, where immediate palliative works were approved to address difficulties experienced by motorists and host communities along the seven-kilometre stretch.
He said the intervention had addressed a problem that had persisted for about a decade, expressing satisfaction with the improvement recorded along the corridor.
Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development and economic recovery.
Idris said the administration's economic reforms were designed to strengthen the economy and support agricultural transformation. He also emphasised the importance of transparency in implementing government programmes.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, described the project as a deliberate policy initiative to expand infrastructure development across the country.
He said the project demonstrated the Federal Government's intention to provide critical infrastructure in different parts of Nigeria.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, described the highway as a strategic transport corridor connecting the northern and southern parts of the country.
Alabi said the road would improve transportation and facilitate economic activities, assuring that the National Assembly would provide adequate oversight to ensure the project's implementation.
Providing details of the project, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, said the road would begin at Lambata, pass through Bida, Mokwa and Makera, and terminate at Kontagora.
He explained that the reconstruction and expansion would improve security, ease the movement of people and goods, strengthen access to markets and agricultural communities, and facilitate service delivery across the benefiting areas.
The project, valued at ₦1.83 trillion, is expected to stimulate commercial activities and improve access to economic centres along the route.
A representative of the Dangote Group, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting infrastructure development, describing the project as an investment that would open up communities, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Ahmed expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe, noting that the company would deploy CRCP technology in its execution.
He put the Dangote Group's investment in road development across the country at more than ₦5 trillion. He also highlighted the establishment of a rice mill in Wushishi, Niger State, alongside other development initiatives.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, called for sustained collaboration among federal and state governments, private-sector partners and host communities to ensure the successful delivery of infrastructure projects.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and acknowledged the Dangote Group's role in its financing.
He said the road would strengthen the state's economic prospects and those of neighbouring areas by improving transportation links, facilitating trade and easing the movement of agricultural produce.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, also expressed appreciation to the President, noting that the project would improve transportation, boost economic activities and enhance the welfare of communities along the corridor.
The road project is expected to improve regional connectivity, reduce transportation difficulties, support agricultural and commercial activities, create employment opportunities and strengthen access to markets.
The ceremony was attended by federal and state government officials, members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, representatives of the Dangote Group, transport unions and other stakeholders.