The Federal Government has flagged off the N1.8 trillion reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, saying the project will open up the state’s farm belt and commercial corridors.
Idris, who spoke on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony in Bida on behalf of members of the Federal Executive Council present, said the highway would connect communities to markets, farmers to consumers and businesses to customers.
“Today, we do more than flag off the construction of a road. We are opening a gateway to opportunity. We are connecting communities to markets, farmers to consumers, businesses to customers and our people to a more prosperous future. For Niger State and for Nigeria, this is a defining moment,” he said.
The Minister said the project would boost trade, agriculture and job creation, and would create opportunities during construction for transport operators, small businesses, young people and entrepreneurs.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development, and praised Niger State Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago for securing federal support for the state’s development priorities. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to the implementation of the Federal Government’s road infrastructure programme.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has shown, through projects of this magnitude, that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a statement of aspiration. It is a programme of concrete investments designed to expand economic opportunities, improve the quality of life of our citizens and lay the foundations for lasting national development,” Idris said.
The Minister urged residents and communities along the route to cooperate with the contractors, protect the right of way and safeguard public infrastructure to ensure the project is completed successfully.
“I urge everyone to support the contractors, protect the right of way and safeguard public infrastructure. Let us work together to ensure that this investment is completed on time and delivers its full benefits,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Bago thanked President Tinubu for supporting Niger State’s development through major infrastructure projects and other policies, saying the interventions would strengthen the state’s economy and improve the lives of its people. He said the President would win a landslide victory in Niger State.
“Because of the road projects and the positive policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am confident that he will record a landslide victory in Niger State,” Bago said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, praised President Tinubu’s infrastructure projects and said the President deserved a second term in office based on his achievements. He dismissed claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway had been abandoned, explaining that construction was ongoing and that the project had been extended by an additional 400 kilometres to align it with the East–West Road.
The ₦1.8 trillion highway project is expected to improve connections between major towns, farming communities and commercial centres, strengthening Niger State’s role in agricultural production and trade.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comr. Yakubu Garba; the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Allwell Heacho Onyesoh; the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi; the Honourable Minister of State, Works, Rt. Hon. Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo; the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Etsu Nupe, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Yahaya Abubakar; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Dr Abiodun Essiet; the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman; among other dignitaries.
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