President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborate with state governments to foster growth and development across Nigeria. This declaration was made during the groundbreaking ceremony of the ambitious 84km, N169.7 billion Bida-Minna Road project in Kakakpagi, located in Katch Local Government Area.
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of harmonious relationships between government tiers to achieve collective progress. He highlighted the strategic significance of the Bida-Minna Road, projecting it as a catalyst for economic revitalization in the region by facilitating smoother transport of goods and services.
“The Federal Government’s support for Niger is unwavering, and as a native son, I am personally invested in initiatives that propel the state forward,” President Tinubu stated. He also noted the broader implications of road construction for safety and economic opportunities.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago outlined the project’s details, describing the road as a crucial conduit linking Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, with the northern territories. The construction of this dual-carriageway, complete with modern amenities such as street lights, interchanges, and underpasses, is poised to significantly reduce travel times, lower accident rates, and decrease vehicle operational costs, thereby stimulating socio-economic advancement.
Governor Bago announced that the project has been divided into three segments to optimize execution, with an anticipated completion timeline of 24 months. He also proposed the installation of weighbridges at toll gates to regulate truck weights and preserve the road’s integrity.
The ceremony was graced by notable figures, including Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria; the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly; two senators representing Zones A and B; APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; and the chairmen of all 25 local governments in the state, signifying a united front in this developmental endeavour.
