By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Federal Government has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora road in Niger State, a major transport corridor expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time and boost commercial activities.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented at the flag-off ceremony in Bida by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, described the road as an important link between the northern and southern parts of the country.
Governor Bago commended the President for approving 1,055 road project for Niger state,saying they would improve transportation and stimulate economic activities.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development.
In his speech, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the project would be constructed with reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability, disclosing that the Federal Government had approved the reconstruction and dualisation of the about 401 kilometres of the road, with a proposed width of 14 metres and two carriageways.
Umahi also said the Federal Government’s road development programme covered about 5,500 kilometres of new and ongoing projects across the North-Central region, with Niger State accounting for approximately 1,055 kilometres.
He attributed the progress of the infrastructure programme to President Tinubu’s commitment and highlighted the involvement of the Dangote Group through the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.
In his presentation , the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engineer Yilton David explained that the road runs from Lambata Junction through Lapai, Agaie, Bida, Mokwa and Makera to Tegina.
He said the deteriorated condition of the road, including deep potholes, had contributed to road crashes and increased travel time, making its reconstruction necessary.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, represented by its Senior Special Adviser to the President Aliko Dangote, Engineer Mansur Ahmed, said the group was a key partner in the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax credit scheme.
He disclosed that construction would commence from four locations to accelerate delivery, adding that the project would create jobs and open up business opportunities for communities along the route.
