…….Governor Describes Project as a Significant Milestone, Reaffirms Commitment to Mobilising Support for Tinubu’s Re-election.
The Federal Government has officially flagged off the Reconstruction and Dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State. The event, marking the commencement of the major project, was performed by the Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in Bida on Tuesday, 13 October, 2026. He thanked the President for his characteristic bold approach to infrastructure development across the country, describing it as “a significant milestone in renewing the hope of ‘Nigerlites’ and motorists plying the vital economic artery.”Farmer Bago reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for the President, pledging to work assiduously to secure a resounding win for him and the party, at all levels, in the state.
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives across the country, noting that the administration’s developmental strides are visible in different parts of Nigeria. He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the State’s Council of Traditional Rulers, the Estu Nupe for honouring him with a title, and the Governor, whom he described as a development-oriented leader, for the warm hospitality and mass mobilisation.
Engr. Umahi explained that the removal of fuel subsidy had created fiscal space for massive infrastructure improvements, nationwide. He revealed that President Tinubu had initiated approximately 5,500 kilometres of road in the North Central Zone with Niger State accounting for more than a thousand. He also disclosed that the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road project is being funded by the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s tax-credit financing model.
The Minister pointed out the adoption of long-lasting and climate-resilient continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology for the project as a one-off panacea and a reassuring measure. He also stressed the importance of re-electing the President “to enable him to complete the already started massive infrastructure initiatives,
nationwide and more.
Speaking earlier, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. recounted his recent assessment visit to the failed Dikko Junction to Maje road, a vital link to the road being flagged off, and Mr. President’s magnanimity in approving immediate palliative action. The intervention addresses the decade-long problem being encountered by motorists and the host communities along the 7-kilometre corridor. He expressed satisfaction and gratitude that the gruelling experience on the alignment is now historic.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, speaking on behalf of his colleagues from Niger State in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerated infrastructure development and economic recovery. He stated that the administration’s economic reforms were intended to strengthen the economy and support a broader agricultural transformation. He also expressed optimism about the State’s support for the President, emphasising transparency in the implementation of government programmes and activities across the country.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, in a Goodwill Speech, commended the initiative, describing it as a deliberate policy decision by President Tinubu to expand infrastructure development across Nigeria. “What is happening today is not novel; it is intentional on the part of Mr President to provide infrastructure across the country,” he added. Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Honourable Akin Alabi, underscored the importance of the highway, describing it as a critical connecting corridor between the Northern and Southern regions that would improve transportation and facilitate economic activities. They pledged adequate oversight of the project.
Providing an overview of the project, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, explained that the reconstruction and expansion works would improve security, ease the movement of people and goods, and facilitate the delivery of services across benefiting communities and adjoining ones. He stated that the 401-kilometre multiplied by two contract begins at Lambata and passes through Bida, Mokwa, and Makera before terminating at Kontagora. The N1.83 trillion project is expected to strengthen connectivity, improve access to markets and agricultural areas, and support commercial activities along the route, he further stressed.
Engr. Mansur Ahmed of the Dangote Group reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development in Nigeria. He described the project as an investment that would open up new communities, expand economic opportunities, generate employment, and stimulate commercial activities. He assured stakeholders that the project would be executed using CRCP and expressed confidence that it would be completed within the stipulated timeframe. He also estimated the Group’s investment in road sector development across the country at over ₦5 trillion and referenced the ongoing establishment of a Rice Mill in Wushishi, alongside other development initiatives in Niger State.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement (North Central Zone), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, commended the Federal Government’s infrastructure initiatives and acknowledged the efforts of the Niger State Government in promoting development across the Zone. She stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among Federal and State Governments, private-sector partners, and local communities in delivering projects that address the needs of the people.
In his Welcome Address, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project and other ongoing ones in the State and acknowledged the Dangote Group’s involvement in the reconstruction and expansion of the road. He noted that the project would enhance the economic advantages of the State and its neighbours by improving transportation links, facilitating trade, and supporting the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the State’s Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, also expressed gratitude to Mr. President for the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve transportation, strengthen economic activities, and enhance the welfare of communities along the corridor.
The Reconstruction and Dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road is expected to improve regional connectivity, ease transportation difficulties, facilitate agricultural and commercial activities, create employment opportunities, and strengthen access to markets and economic centres. Its successful delivery will depend on effective implementation, adherence to construction standards and timelines, and sustained funding.
The occasion brought together representatives of the Federal Government, Members of the National and State Assemblies, Members of the State’s Executive Council and Heads of Agencies, Traditional Rulers, the Dangote Group, Transport Unions and other numerous stakeholders.
Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Information and Public Relations.
14 October, 2026.
