Assurance of the Federal Government’s willingness to partner with states for the growth and development of their citizens has been given by President Bola Tinubu. This commitment was reiterated at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 84km, N169.7 billion Bida-Minna Road in Kakakpagi, Katch Local Government Area of the state.
The President, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasized the importance of fostering cordial relationships for all levels of government to thrive. Highlighting the significance of the Bida-Minna Road in enhancing transportation and boosting economic activities in the state, the President affirmed, “The Federal Government will support Niger to ensure that the desired prosperity is derived. I am also a son of Niger and will be part of anything that will bring development to the people of the state.”
He further added, “Road construction will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.”
Niger state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, in his address, explained that the groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of constructing the 84 km standard dual-carriageway with street lights, interchange, and underpass at both ends of the road.
According to him, “The Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road is of immense economic importance to the region and the nation at large, serving as a major link between the industrial hub of Lagos and the western parts of Nigeria to the Northern parts of the country
.”
“The construction of this road is expected to reduce travel time, rate of accidents, and operational costs for vehicles, facilitating quick delivery of goods and services and accelerating socio-economic growth and development of the citizens,” Bago emphasized.
Highlighting the strategic approach towards the project’s success, Bago mentioned that the road project was divided into three lots with a completion target of 24 months.
“In addition, we are also proposing the installation of weighbridges at the toll gate locations to ensure compliance with the legal axle load limits for the heavy axle trucks and articulated vehicles using the road,” Bago added.
Notable figures present at the ceremony included the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Niger State Speaker of the House of Assembly, two senators representing Zone A and B in the Senate, APC national chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and all chairpersons of the 25 local governments in the state.