The Federal Government’s ₦1.8 trillion reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Highway is expected to improve trade, agricultural activities and job creation by connecting communities to markets and expanding economic opportunities in Niger State and beyond. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Tuesday at…...
The Federal Government’s ₦1.8 trillion reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Highway is expected to improve trade, agricultural activities and job creation by connecting communities to markets and expanding economic opportunities in Niger State and beyond.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony for the project in Bida, Niger State, according to a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, on Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of members of the Federal Executive Council present at the ceremony, Idris described the highway as a major investment in Nigeria’s economy.
“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,” the minister said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and praised Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, for securing federal support for the state’s development priorities.
Idris 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,” he said.
The information minister said the highway project would generate employment during construction and create long-term opportunities for transport operators, small businesses, young people and entrepreneurs.
He urged residents and communities along the route to cooperate with the contractors, protect the right of way and safeguard public infrastructure to ensure the successful completion of the project.
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“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,” Idris said.
In his remarks, Bago thanked Tinubu for supporting Niger State’s development through major infrastructure projects and other government policies.
The governor said the interventions would strengthen the state’s economy and improve the lives of residents, expressing confidence that Tinubu would secure 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, Umahi praised the president’s infrastructure projects and said Tinubu deserved a second term based on his achievements.
The works minister also dismissed claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway had been abandoned, saying construction was ongoing. He added 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 strengthen links between major towns, farming communities and commercial centres, supporting Niger State’s agricultural production and trade.
Dignitaries at the flag-off ceremony included the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh; Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi; Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
Others were the Etsu Nupe, Brigadier-General (retd.) Yahaya Abubakar; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Dr Abiodun Essiet; and Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, among other dignitaries.