BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has revealed that the removal of fuel subsidy created fiscal space for massive infrastructure improvements nationwide.
This was even as he was informed that President Tinubu had initiated approximately 5,500 kilometres of road in the North Central Zone with Niger State accounting for more than a thousand.
He disclosed this at the flagg off of the reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State, funded by the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s tax-credit financing model.
The minister described the adoption of long-lasting and climate-resilient Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology for the project as a one-off panacea and a reassuring measure for prolonged lifespan.
Umahi highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives across the country, saying that the administration’s developmental strides are visible in different parts of Nigeria.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. recounted his recent assessment visit to the failed Dikko Junction to Maje Road, and Mr. President’s magnanimity in approving immediate palliative action.
The intervention addressed the decade-long problem encountered by motorists and the host communities along the 7-kilometre corridor,
Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru performed the flagg off of the major project on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He appreciated the President for his characteristic bold approach to infrastructure development across the country, describing it as a significant milestone in renewing the hope of Nigerlites’ and motorists plying the vital economic artery.
Bago reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for the President, pledging to work assiduously to secure a resounding win for him and the party, at all levels in the state.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi lauded the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerated infrastructure development and economic recovery.
He noted that the administration’s economic reforms were intended to strengthen the economy and support agricultural transformation, emphasising transparency in the implementation of the government programmes and activities across the country.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh described the flagg off as a deliberate policy decision by President Tinubu to expand infrastructure development across Nigeria.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon Akin Alabi underscored the importance of the highway, which he described as a critical corridor connecting the Northern and Southern regions.
He informed that the project would improve transportation and facilitate economic activities, pledging adequate oversight of the project.
Providing an overview of the project, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong explained that the reconstruction and expansion works would improve security, ease the movement of people and goods, and facilitate the delivery of services across benefiting communities.
He stated that the 401-kilometre multiplied by two contracts commenced at Lambata and passed through Bida, Mokwa, and Makera before terminating at Kontagora.
The N1.83 trillion project is expected to strengthen connectivity, improve access to markets and agricultural areas, and support commercial activities along the route.
Engr. Mansur Ahmed of the Dangote Group reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development in Nigeria.
He described the project as an investment that would open up new communities, expand economic opportunities, generate employment, and stimulate commercial activities.
Ahmed assured stakeholders that the project would be executed using CRCP and completed within the stipulated time frame.
He pegged the Group’s investment in road sector development across the country at over ₦5 trillion, referencing the ongoing establishment of a Rice Mill in Wushishi, alongside other development initiatives in Niger State.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement (North Central Zone), Dr. Abiodun Essiet lauded the Federal Government’s infrastructure initiatives, acknowledging the efforts of the Niger State Government in promoting development across the Zone.
She harped on the importance of sustained collaboration among the Federal and State Governments, private-sector partners, and local communities in delivering projects that address the needs of the people.
Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman appreciated President Tinubu for approving the project, while praising the Dangote Group’s involvement in the reconstruction and expansion of the road.
He noted that the project would improve transportation links, facilitate trade, and support the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.
Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the State’s Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar thanked Mr. President for the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve transportation, strengthen economic activities, and enhance the welfare of communities along the corridor.
The reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road is expected to improve regional connectivity, ease transportation difficulties, facilitate agricultural and commercial activities, create employment opportunities, and strengthen access to markets and economic centres.
Its successful delivery will depend on effective implementation, adherence to construction standards and timelines, and sustained funding.
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