Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State, a ₦1.83 trillion project expected to improve regional connectivity, facilitate agricultural trade and strengthen economic activities across communities along the corridor.
The project was officially flagged off in Bida on Tuesday, October 13, by Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bago described the project as a significant milestone for Niger State, expressing appreciation to the President for prioritising infrastructure development and its potential benefits to residents and motorists.
He also pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, promising to work towards securing victory for the President and the party in the state.
The Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, said the project reflected the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development programme, adding that the administration had initiated approximately 5,500 kilometres of road projects across the North-Central zone, with Niger State accounting for more than 1,000 kilometres.
Umahi attributed the government’s infrastructure drive partly to the fiscal space created by the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he said had enabled increased investment in roads and other public infrastructure.
He disclosed that the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora project was being financed by the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s tax-credit financing model.
The minister said the project would feature continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), a construction technology intended to provide a durable and climate-resilient road surface.
He also called for Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that another term would enable the President to continue ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., recalled the longstanding difficulties motorists faced along the Dikko Junction–Maje road, a seven-kilometre stretch linked to the main corridor.
Goronyo said the President had approved immediate palliative works following a recent assessment visit, addressing a problem that had affected motorists and host communities for years.
He expressed satisfaction with the intervention, noting that it had eased the difficulties previously experienced along the route.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, who spoke on behalf of Niger State’s representatives in the Federal Executive Council, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic recovery.
He said the administration’s economic reforms were intended to strengthen the economy and support agricultural transformation, while emphasising the importance of transparency in implementing government programmes.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, described the project as part of a deliberate policy to expand infrastructure development nationwide.
“What is happening today is not novel; it is intentional on the part of Mr President to provide infrastructure across the country,” he said.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Honourable Akin Alabi, described the highway as a critical transport corridor linking parts of northern and southern Nigeria.
He said the road would improve the movement of people and goods, facilitate commercial activities and strengthen access to markets, adding that the National Assembly would provide the necessary oversight of the project.
Providing details of the project, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, said the reconstruction and expansion would improve transportation, enhance security and support the delivery of services to communities along the route and adjoining areas.
He explained that the project would begin at Lambata, pass through Bida, Mokwa and Makera, and terminate at Kontagora.
Representing the Dangote Group, Engr. Mansur Ahmed reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development through private-sector investment.
Ahmed said the road project was expected to open up communities, create employment opportunities, stimulate commercial activities and expand access to economic opportunities.
He expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe and confirmed that CRCP technology would be used in its construction.
He also put the group’s investment in road infrastructure development across Nigeria at more than ₦5 trillion, while highlighting other initiatives in Niger State, including the establishment of a rice mill in Wushishi.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central zone, Dr Abiodun Essiet, called for sustained collaboration among federal and state governments, private-sector partners and local communities to ensure infrastructure projects meet the needs of residents.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, thanked the President for approving the road project and acknowledged the Dangote Group’s role in its financing.
He said the project would strengthen transportation links, facilitate trade and improve the movement of agricultural produce and other goods within Niger State and neighbouring areas.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Dr Yahaya Abubakar, also welcomed the project, expressing hope that it would improve transportation, boost economic activities and enhance the welfare of communities along the corridor.
The ceremony was attended by federal and state government officials, members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, representatives of the Dangote Group, transport unions and other stakeholders.
The project is expected to improve regional connectivity and support agricultural and commercial activities. Its impact will depend on effective implementation, adherence to construction standards and timelines, and sustained funding.
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