The Federal Government on Tuesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora federal highway in Niger, at the cost of N1.8 trillion.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, explained that the project would be executed through the Dangote tax credit scheme using reinforced concrete pavement.
Truthng reports that the project will involve the construction of a dual carriageway in partnership with the Dangote Group.
Umahi said the project was qualified to become the fifth legacy project of President Bola Tinubu, considering its size and the commitment of the President to complete the road.
The minister appreciated President Tinubu for being intentional in the total development of all the states.
“In this North Central alone the President is constructing both new and ongoing projects of a total of 5,500 kilometres; Niger alone is having 1,055 kilometres.
“In North Central alone, all the projects that we have completed are a total of 162 kilometres and 150 metres in length of bridges.
“I assure you with your support for the second coming of the president, all these roads will be completed,” Umahi said.
According to him, the President has added 400 km to the initially approved 750 km of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway to connect the east-west roads that have been affected by climate change.
He further stated that there was an addition of 410 km to the Akwanga-Jos-Bsuchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri road.
“So there is no change in any of the alignment; what the President is doing is addition,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger commended the President for taking a bold step in fixing road infrastructure across the country to facilitate socio-economic growth and development.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said that the reforms of President Tinubu were bearing fruit.
He said the massive infrastructure taking place in the country was unprecedented.
“This is indeed an expansion and the beginning of the activation of the economic activity of the people of the state,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Dangote Group, Mr Mansur Ahmed, said the road was very central to the economy of the country.
“We assure you that by the time this road is completed, this corridor will be one of the most economically active corridors in Nigeria.
“And it will be one that will create opportunities for businesses and young people to get jobs. It will open up the agricultural sector for food distribution across regions.”
In their goodwill messages, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, and Rep. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, commended the Federal Government’s efforts towards improving road infrastructure across the country.
They said that the National Assembly would continue to provide the needed legislative support that would ensure successful execution of projects across the country.
Mr Yiltong David, Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, said the project represents a significant investment in strengthening economic linkage.
According to him, the project will connect farmers to markets, businesses to customers, and communities to broader commercial opportunities.
“On completion of this road, it is expected that it will improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods.
Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, described the road project as gigantic, commending the Federal Government for approving it.
He noted that the project would greatly improve economic activities and reduce travel time.
Some of the community members who spoke with NAN thanked the federal government for the road, saying it was going to bring rapid development to their communities.
