401km Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road to undergo reconstruction. .... As Tinubu Flags Off ₦1.83trn Project, Bago Vows Re-election Support

.... As Bago pledges to mobilise support for the president’s re-election, promising to work towards securing a resounding victory for him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels in the state.

"The project is part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development drive." Umahi

.... Says "Niger State accounted for more than 1,000 kilometres of the approximately 5,500 kilometres of roads initiated by the Tinubu administration across the North-Central zone."

Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State at a cost of ₦1.83 trillion.

The project, which is expected to improve connectivity between communities, boost agricultural production and facilitate commercial activities, was officially launched in Bida on Tuesday by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on behalf of the president.

Bago described the project as a significant milestone in the state’s infrastructure development, thanking Tinubu for prioritising road construction across the country.

The governor also pledged to mobilise support for the president’s re-election, promising to work towards securing a resounding victory for him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels in the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the project was part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development drive, adding that Niger State accounted for more than 1,000 kilometres of the approximately 5,500 kilometres of roads initiated by the Tinubu administration across the North-Central zone.

Umahi attributed the government’s increased infrastructure investment to the fiscal space created by the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that the administration was deploying resources to address the country’s infrastructure deficit.

He disclosed that the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road was being financed by the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s tax-credit financing model.

The minister said the project would be constructed using continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology, which he described as a durable and climate-resilient solution for extending the lifespan of the road.

He also called for Tinubu’s re-election to enable the administration to complete its ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, recalled his recent assessment visit to the failed Dikko Junction–Maje Road, a critical link to the highway being flagged off.

He commended the president for approving immediate palliative works on the seven-kilometre corridor, which he said had subjected motorists and host communities to difficulties for about a decade.

Goronyo expressed satisfaction that the intervention had addressed the longstanding challenge along the route.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government remained committed to accelerating infrastructure development and economic recovery through its ongoing reforms.

Idris, who spoke on behalf of Niger State indigenes serving in the Federal Executive Council, said the reforms were designed to strengthen the economy and support agricultural transformation.

He also emphasised the need for transparency in implementing government programmes and expressed optimism about the state's continued support for the Tinubu administration.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, described the project as a deliberate policy decision by the president to expand infrastructure development nationwide.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, said the highway was a strategic transportation corridor linking Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.

Alabi noted that the road would ease the movement of people and goods, improve transportation efficiency and stimulate economic activities, assuring that the National Assembly would provide the necessary oversight to ensure its successful execution.

Providing details of the project, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works, David Yiltong, said the reconstruction and dualisation would begin at Lambata, passing through Bida, Mokwa and Makera before terminating at Kontagora.

He said the project would strengthen security, improve access to markets and agricultural communities, and facilitate the delivery of essential services along the corridor and adjoining areas.

Yiltong added that the road would enhance regional connectivity and support the movement of agricultural produce and other goods, with significant benefits for communities and businesses along the route.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Dangote Group, Mansur Ahmed, reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Ahmed said the investment would open up communities, create employment opportunities, expand commercial activities and improve access to economic centres.

He assured stakeholders that the project would be executed using CRCP technology and expressed confidence that it would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Ahmed put the Dangote Group's investment in road infrastructure development across the country at more than ₦5 trillion. He also highlighted the group's planned establishment of a rice mill in Wushishi, Niger State, alongside other development initiatives.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-Central Zone, Abiodun Essiet, called for sustained collaboration among federal and state governments, private-sector partners and local communities to ensure the successful delivery of infrastructure projects.

In his welcome address, the Niger State Secretary to the Government, Abubakar Usman, thanked Tinubu for approving the road project and other ongoing infrastructure initiatives in the state.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, also commended the president, expressing optimism that the project would ease transportation challenges, stimulate economic activities and improve the welfare of communities along the corridor.

The 401-kilometre road project is expected to improve access to markets, strengthen agricultural and commercial activities, generate employment and enhance connectivity across Niger State and neighbouring areas.