BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has formed strategic partnership with Niger State Government to speed up Federal road projects in the state.
At a high-level meeting with Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago in Abuja, the minister noted that many state government's interventions are on Federal road corridors that directly benefit the citizens.
The minister commended Governor Bago for his untiring efforts toward infrastructure development and urban renewal across Niger.
Umahi acknowledged the numerous challenges associated with Federal roads in the state, stressing that road infrastructure development is a shared responsibility, irrespective of jurisdiction.
He praised the significant interventions in areas such as Bida, Minna, and Suleja, describing them as impactful urban renewal efforts that enhanced mobility and boosted economic activities.
The minister assured the governor of the Federal Government’s support, particularly on key projects including the Minna–Suleja Road (71km), which was approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and is awaiting consideration by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the project be prioritised and assured that any advance intervention funds expended by Niger state government would be refunded.
On Jebba and Lambata bridges, the minister informed that integrity tests and work on the expansion joints are ongoing.
Umahi stressed the need to curb indiscriminate parking, trading activities, and traffic congestion on bridges that accelerate structural deterioration.
"Bridges are not designed to carry static loads but built for the dynamic flow of traffic," he advised.
He announced plans to engage key stakeholders, including transport unions and tanker drivers to safeguard national assets and extend the lifespan of bridges.
The minister disclosed that all ongoing NNPC-funded road projects nationwide have been approved for takeover by the ministry, in line with Mr. President’s directive, adding that funding templates are currently finalised to ensure the seamless continuation of works on such projects.
He directed officials of the ministry to provide comprehensive status reports on all Federal road projects in the state to enable prompt interventions, where required.
Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to accelerate the delivery of ongoing Federal road and bridge projects in the state.
Governor Bago appreciated the minister and his team for their responsiveness and collaborative approach.
He highlighted the importance of Niger state as Nigeria’s central corridor linking the North and South, with over 100,000 trucks traversing major routes in the state on a daily basis.
The governor raised concern about severe traffic congestion, infrastructure degradation, and security challenges along critical corridors like the Jebba–Lambata–Minna–Suleja.
He called for urgent attention to the structural integrity of the Jebba bridge and other heavily trafficked bridges, emphasising the need for structural testing, traffic control measures, and accelerated rehabilitation works to avert potential disasters.
Bago commended the Federal Government for the ongoing concrete pavement works on the Abuja–Kaduna expressway and urged that similar durable solutions be applied to other major highways in the country.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration to fast-track Federal road projects, enhance road safety, stimulate economic activities, and improve the livelihoods of Niger residents and Nigerians generally.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
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