BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Vice Chairman of NUJ, Niger State Chapter, Comrade Uriah Tsado Gana, alongside others at the commissioning of critically failed sections of Gwada–Shiroro road, Section 1, alongside emergency repairs of embankment washouts and the construction of a 2-cell box culvert in Gwada, Niger State recently.
The Federal Government has stated that the Federal road projects sited in Niger State will address insecurity and restore economic activities in the communities.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi stated this at the commissioning of the completed failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road Section 1 in Niger State, alongside Emergency Repairs of Embankment Washouts and the Construction of a 2-Cell Box Culvert on the same alignment.
The projects are part of the 260 Emergency/Special Intervention Projects carried out nationwide by the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to salvage the nation’s road network.
Umahi, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Niger State, Engr Eyitayo Aluko, described the intervention as two projects in one.
Aluko explained that the site was previously a critical failed point on the road, where a one-cell pipe culvert collapsed due to its flawed design and overburdenedness.
The collapse of the culvert disrupted the movement of people, goods, and services, moving in and out of Gwada town into a major challenge for commuters and residents.
"Before our intervention, movement through Gwada was a nightmare. The pipe cover here was inadequate and eventually collapsed. We had to intervene urgently," he said.
According to him, the ministry improved the infrastructure by replacing the collapsed one-cell pipe culvert with a two-cell box culvert measuring 2.0m x 2.0m, significantly enhancing water flow capacity and structural stability, and durability.
In addition to the construction of culvert, the FCW disclosed that several failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro road were rehabilitated to improve travel time, road safety and reduce wear and tear of vehicles.
The scope of work included embankment washout remediation, construction of the box culvert, laying of stone base, granular course, and asphalt surfacing.
Awarded to Messrs Wise Spin Limited and Messrs High Dee Construction Limited, the projects have been substantially completed and put to use.
The Chairman of the Engineering Regulation Committee of COREN, Niger State Chapter commended the intervention, describing it as professional, timely, and impactful.
"This intervention speaks for itself. The project has been put to use, and you can see the community's happiness. Despite how remote this area is, its economic and social importance cannot be overemphasised," he said.
Saliu noted that similar critical areas exist across Niger State and expressed confidence that the Federal Government would continue to intervene to ease the challenges faced by commuters and residents.
The Secretary General of NSE, Minna Branch, Engr Abubakar Kawu praised the delivery of the two projects, just as he described the Gwada–Shiroro road as a strategic route that required urgent attention.
"This timely intervention has significantly reduced road accidents and increased socio-economic activities. The road leads to the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, a major contributor to power generation in Nigeria," he added.
He stated that the road rehabilitation would positively impact the power and energy sectors, while affirming that the project meets required engineering standards and professional regulations.
The Mai Anguwa (Ward Head) of the benefiting community, Alhaji Alhassan Zarumi appreciated the Federal Government for extending the nationwide road intervention initiative to his people.
While describing the road as a former 'death trap', he emphasised its importance as a link to the Shiroro Power Station and other surrounding towns and villages.
"If this place was not repaired, I wonder if we would be passing here today. Now, we can move freely and safely. We thank the Federal Government, the engineers, and contractors for a job well done," he said.
Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Chapter, Comrade Uriah Tsado Gana thanked President Tinubu and Engr Umahi for the successful completion of the project.
The team visited ongoing works on the Bida–Lemu–Wushishi–Zungeru road, Phase 1, which commences from Yesso Junction in Bida Town to Yazhigi.
Giving an update on the progress of work, the FCW revealed that the road shoulders are constructed with 200mm thick concrete, and that approximately 16 kilometers of asphaltic binder course have been completed out of the 29.5-kilometer project length - representing about 40 percent completion.
He added that the contractor is actively on site and is expected to complete the binder course within the next two months, after which the asphaltic wearing course will be applied.
The Project Manager of Gerawa Global Engineering Limited, Engr Adam S. Adam corroborated the update, highlighting the initial challenges faced during project execution as insecurity and attempted kidnappings.
He disclosed that with the support of the ministry, community leaders, and security stakeholders, the issues were fully resolved and work is ongoing.
"We are now working day and night. The problems have been resolved completely, and the quality of work speaks for itself," he stated.
Another NSE official, Engr Aliyu attested to the project’s compliance with engineering standards and professional ethics, giving kudos to the company handling the work.
The ministry continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing national road infrastructure with the execution of major highway projects across Niger State, aimed at improving connectivity between the Northern and Southern parts of the country.
Another strategic project underway in the state is the Jebba–Mokwa–Bokani Junction Road (Section II), which forms part of the Trans-Sahara Road Network, linking Lagos in the South West geopolitical zone to the North through Kwara State.
The route is a vital artery that carries heavy volumes of articulated traffic on a daily basis. The project is redesigned as a dual carriageway with a pavement structure consisting 7.3-metre-wide asphaltic concrete carriageways on each side, complemented by 3.0m and 2.75m wide surface-dressed shoulders. The pavement layers include a 200mm thick sub-base, 275mm stone base, and two asphaltic concrete layers of 75mm binder course and 50mm wearing course.
Executed by Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited, the project commenced at the northern end of the River Niger Bridge in Jebba and terminates at the Bokani Junction, with a total length of 46.0 kilometres.
It involves the construction of an additional carriageway that intersects the existing one at various alignments, traversing farmlands, settlements, and diverse terrains, including hills, valleys, streams, and ridges. Interchanges will also be constructed at major intersections to facilitate free-traffic flow.
In addition, the Federal Government is presently rehabilitating the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina Road (Section I), also a major transportation link connecting the north and south, and a vital route for the movement of industrial and agricultural goods.
The road was deteriorated for several years, characterized by deep potholes, failed carriageway sections, frequent accidents, and prolonged travel time.
Section I of the project stretches 94.987 kilometres from Minna to Tegina, comprising a 10.90km dualised urban section within Minna town and an 84.087-kilometre single carriageway through inter-urban and non-urban areas.
The scope of work includes the rehabilitation of the single-carriageway sections and overlay of the existing dual carriageway, which remains in fair condition.
It traverses about eighteen communities, including Maikonlele, Kuyi, Gusase, Zungeru, Akusu, Garum Gabas, and Gatako, terminating at Tegina.
The existing infrastructure includes several pipe and box culverts, as well as seven bridges, many of which are slated for repair and maintenance due to siltation and structural degradation.
It is handled by Messrs Develevo (Nigeria) Limited in partnership with Messrs HMF Construction Limited.
Similarly, Section II of the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina road, covering the Tegina–Kontagora axis, is also receiving intervention. This section is a single carriageway extending from Tegina to Kontagora, with its zero chainage at a Y-Junction off the Mokwa–Makera–Kaduna State border road and terminating at the Kontagora roundabout.
It passes through several semi-rural communities like Gimi, Babban Gona, Mariga, Bobi, Beri, Tungan Ahmadu, Tadali, and Machanga.
The existing carriageway, though originally constructed to standard specifications, suffered erosion of shoulders and deterioration of pavement in several sections. The project includes the replacement of substandard culverts, desilting of existing drainage structures, and maintenance works on six bridges along the corridor to ensure structural integrity and improved hydraulic performance.
It is handled by Glamor Engineering Nigeria Limited.
Upon completion, these projects are expected to reduce road accidents, shorten travel time, improve the movement of goods, both industrial and agricultural, and strengthen economic activities across Niger state and its neighbours.
The administration remains committed to delivering quality road infrastructure that serve as enablers of national growth and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.
Road users, members of the benefiting communities along the corridors and stakeholders were full of praises for Mr. President’s infrastructure renaissance.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
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