The Niger State Government has announced securing a ₦500 billion loan for the construction of 1000 kilometers of roads across the state.
Governor Umaru Bago made this disclosure during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an 84-kilometer dual carriageway Minna-Bida road. This road serves as a vital economic link between the southern and northern regions of Nigeria. Governor Bago expressed the government’s ambitious commitment to road development projects.
The historic town of Bida, renowned for its blacksmith craftsmanship and local economy, has long suffered from underdevelopment due to the poor road infrastructure connecting it to Minna, the state capital. Despite a previous administration’s contract award for the road construction in February 2020, only seven kilometers were completed before their term ended in May 2023. Challenges such as inadequate funding and unresolved compensation issues have hampered progress, leading to commuter losses from preventable accidents.
However, Governor Bago, addressing the gathering, expressed relief that the road projects’ continuation is now assured, with funding secured for their completion. He emphasized that the projects are projected to create three million job opportunities and contribute to a ₦5 trillion GDP growth within the next year.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, pledged the federal government’s continued collaboration with state governments to foster prosperity nationwide.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje hailed the governor’s agricultural initiatives as exemplary, reflecting the party’s commitment to progress.
Governor Bago affirmed that the projects would be finalized within 24 months.