The Federal Government has commenced plans to reconstruct and dualise the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora Federal Highway in Niger State, in a N1.8 trillion infrastructure investment expected to improve transportation, boost trade and open up communities across the state.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this during the project’s flag-off ceremony in Bida, noting that Niger State accounts for 1,055 kilometres of the 5,500 kilometres of new and ongoing federal road projects nationwide under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Governor Umaru Bago, who represented the President at the ceremony, performed the flag-off and described the highway as a strategic investment that would ease the movement of people and goods, improve access to markets and stimulate economic activities across Niger State and beyond.
Bago thanked the Federal Government for approving major infrastructure projects in the state and pledged to mobilise the highest number of votes nationwide for Tinubu in the next election, citing the administration’s investments.
Umahi described the highway as a major component of the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure programme, noting that its scale, reinforced concrete pavement technology and the involvement of the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme could make it the administration’s fifth legacy road project.
The minister also disclosed that 162 kilometres of roads and 115 metres of bridges had been completed in the North-Central region.
He commended Bago’s infrastructure drive, saying the governor had constructed more than 300 kilometres of roads, alongside over five flyovers and an underpass. He added that the governor’s commitment to road development extended beyond the distinction between federal and state responsibilities.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the project demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth.
Idris said the highway would extend from Mokwa through Lambata and beyond Kontagora towards Tegina, improving connectivity and strengthening economic links among communities.
He described the investment as unprecedented in Niger State and commended Tinubu for approving the project.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the President of the Dangote Group, Mansir Ahmed, said the company was participating through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme.
Ahmed explained that the highway would be constructed with concrete pavement rather than conventional asphalt, with work scheduled to begin at four locations simultaneously to speed up delivery.
He said the completed road would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods and industrial materials while creating economic opportunities for businesses and young people.
The project is expected to reduce travel delays, improve road safety and give farming communities and businesses along the corridor better access to markets.
