Niger Gets 1,055km Of Federal Roads As Bago Flags Off N1.8trn Highway Project
The Federal Government has commenced the reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora Federal Highway in Niger State, as part of its ongoing nationwide infrastructure development programme.
Governor Umaru Bago flagged off the project on behalf of President Bola Tinubu in Bida, Niger State, with the initiative expected to improve road connectivity, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activities across the state and neighbouring communities.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed at the ceremony that Niger State accounts for 1,055 kilometres of the 5,500 kilometres of new and ongoing federal road projects being executed across the country under the Tinubu administration.
Umahi described the highway as a major component of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development agenda, noting that its scale, the use of reinforced concrete pavement technology and the involvement of the Dangote Group through the federal infrastructure tax-credit scheme could make it the administration’s fifth legacy road project.
He added that 162 kilometres of roads and 115 metres of bridges had been completed in the North-Central region.
The minister also commended Bago for his commitment to infrastructure development, stating that the governor had constructed more than 300 kilometres of roads, over five flyovers and an underpass in Niger State.
According to Umahi, the governor’s approach demonstrates a commitment to development irrespective of whether a road falls under the responsibility of the federal or state government.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that the Federal Government was investing N1.8 trillion in the road project.
Idris, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues in the Federal Executive Council, said the project would extend from Mokwa through Lambata and beyond Kontagora towards Tegina, opening up communities and strengthening economic connections across Niger State.
He described the investment as a significant step towards improving transportation infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities and enhancing access to markets for farmers and businesses.
The minister also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving major infrastructure projects in the state, describing the initiative as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development.
Representing the President at the flag-off, Governor Bago thanked the Federal Government for approving the projects, noting that the highway would ease the movement of people and goods while improving access to commercial centres.
He expressed confidence that the road would enhance transportation, strengthen market access and boost economic activities across Niger State and beyond.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President of the Dangote Group, Mansir Ahmed, said the company was pleased to participate in the project through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme.
Ahmed explained that the highway would be constructed with concrete pavement rather than conventional asphalt, adding that construction would commence from four different locations to accelerate work and ensure timely delivery.
He said the completed road would support the transportation of agricultural produce, commercial goods and industrial materials, while creating economic opportunities for businesses and young people along the corridor.
The project is expected to reduce travel delays, improve road safety and strengthen connectivity for farming communities and commercial operators who depend on the highway for the movement of goods and services.
The Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora highway forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to upgrade critical road infrastructure and improve transportation links across the country.
