The Federal Government has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora highway in Niger State at a cost of N1.5 trillion, as Minister of Works, David Umahi, called for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election to enable him to complete ongoing road projects nationwide.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in Bida with Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, representing the President.
Speaking at the event, Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government was executing 5,500 kilometres of new and ongoing road projects across the country, with Niger State accounting for 1,055 kilometres.
He described the highway as a potential fifth legacy road project of the Tinubu administration, citing its length, the use of reinforced concrete pavement and the participation of the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme.
The minister said Tinubu needed another four-year term to complete the numerous road projects initiated under his administration, adding that the government was committed to improving infrastructure across the country’s geopolitical zones.
Umahi also disclosed that 162 kilometres of roads and 115 metres of bridges had been completed in the North-Central region.
He commended Bago for constructing more than 300 kilometres of roads, over five flyovers and an underpass in Niger State.
The minister attributed the infrastructure development to Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that the policies had created opportunities for governments to invest in critical projects.
He added that the highway would strengthen transportation links within Niger State and between the North-Central region and other parts of the country.
Bago, who represented Tinubu, described the highway as a major intervention in a strategic transportation corridor connecting communities and facilitating the movement of people and goods.
He thanked the President for approving the project and other road interventions in the state.
The governor pledged that Niger State would deliver the highest number of votes nationwide for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He also urged Nigerians to maintain peace, arguing that the President should be allowed to complete a second term before power returned to the North.
Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the project demonstrated the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, adding that the country was making progress in road infrastructure while urging Nigerians to support the administration.
The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, commended Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure renewal and Bago for his efforts in securing the project.
He said the highway would improve commerce, strengthen transportation links and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.
Similarly, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, welcomed the project on behalf of the state’s traditional institutions and assured the Federal Government of the support of the emirate councils towards its successful completion.
The Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Mansir Ahmed, said the company was pleased to participate in the project through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme, describing the highway as a critical economic corridor.
Ahmed said construction would commence from four locations to accelerate delivery, adding that the road would be built with concrete pavement rather than conventional asphalt.
He expressed confidence that the project would improve the movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods and industrial materials while creating employment opportunities for young people.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Heacho Onyesoh; Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-Central, Abiodun Essiet, also highlighted the expected economic benefits of the highway and called for continuity in the administration’s infrastructure programmes.
‘Tinubu needs 2nd term to complete projects’ – Umahi says as FG flags off N1.5trn Niger highway