By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora Federal Highway in Niger State, as part of its nationwide road infrastructure programme.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that Niger State accounts for 1,055 kilometres of the 5,500 kilometres of new and ongoing federal road projects across the country.
The project was flagged off in Bida by Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was investing ₦1.8 trillion in the highway project, describing it as a major intervention to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the state.
Idris said the road would run from Lambata through Bida and Mokwa to Makera and Kontagora, extending towards Tegina and opening up communities along the corridor.
He attributed the infrastructure investments to policy decisions by the Tinubu administration, expressing confidence that the projects would improve transportation and strengthen economic links across Niger State.
Umahi described the highway as a major component of the administration’s infrastructure development programme, noting that its scale, the use of reinforced concrete pavement and the involvement of the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme could make it the administration’s fifth legacy road project.
The minister also disclosed that 162 kilometres of roads and 115 metres of bridges had been completed in the North-Central region.
He commended Bago for his infrastructure initiatives in Niger State, saying the governor had constructed more than 300 kilometres of roads, over five flyovers and an underpass.
Representing the President, Bago thanked the Federal Government for approving major road projects in the state, saying the highway would improve the movement of people and goods, ease access to markets and boost trade.
He also pledged to mobilise the highest number of votes nationwide for Tinubu in the next election, citing the administration’s infrastructure investments in Niger State.
Speaking on behalf of the Dangote Group, the company’s Special Adviser to the President, Mansir Ahmed, said the group was participating in the project through the infrastructure tax-credit scheme.
Ahmed said the highway would be constructed with concrete pavement rather than conventional asphalt, adding that work would begin at four locations to accelerate construction and support timely completion.
He said the road would improve the transportation of agricultural produce, commercial goods and industrial materials, while creating economic opportunities for businesses and young people.
The project is expected to reduce travel delays, improve road safety and strengthen access to markets for farming communities and businesses along the route.
