FIC Report (Niger State) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded Niger State Governor for massive road construction in the State.
The President gave the commendation at the groundbreaking of the 82 km Minna-Bida dual carriageway way, co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the Niger State Government at Kakakpangi community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, that the President said the farmer Governor is showing the way not only in Agriculture but in infrastructural development and pledged to continue to support and partner with the State for effective service delivery of dividends of democracy.
He expressed optimism that the road would create avenues for greater economic prosperity for the people.
The President assured Nigerians of food sufficiency under his administration.
Niger State farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting Tax Credit Scheme leading to the full financing of the reconstruction of Minna- Kontagora; Bida-Zungeru; Lapai-Mokwa; and Minna-Suleja road projects.
He said the President has been so supportive to the State to ensure that his administration delivers on its mandate.
The farmer Governor said with the ongoing infrastructural development in the State, the government has a target of N5 Trillion GDP in the next one year.
Describing the event as historic and the fulfillment of his promise to the people under his New Niger Agenda, the farmer Governor said there would be streetlights, interchange, and underpass at both ends of the dual-carriageway.
He noted that the project is of paramount economic importance to the State and assured that 100% funding have been provided by IsDB and the ADFD for the Minna-Bida road project.
He said the project would create about 3 million direct and indirect jobs for youth and women, as he has directed the contractors to patronise the services of local vendors.
While congratulating the contractors, the farmer Governor reminded them that compromise of standard and quality would not be entertained adding that schools, hospitals, and markets would be constructed by the contractors along the road, as their Corporate Social Responsibilities.
The All Progressives Congress (APC), National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who described farmer Governor Umaru Bago as a shining example of good governance, said the party is proud of him for all his transformational drives.
He said the landmark economic projects the APC-led administration is embarking on is a clear indication that Nigeria can work if the right people are put in the appropriate places.
Senators representing Niger-South, and Niger -East Senatorial Districts Senators Peter Ndalikali Jiya and Muhammad Sani Musa as well as the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji in their separate remarks applauded farmer Governor Umaru Bago for his unprecedented efforts in seeing to the construction of the Minna-Bida road with a pledge to give him the needed legislative support.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman said that the project signifies a brighter future for the state as the Bago-led administration is determined to create an enabling environment for sustainable development.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar noted that the Minna-Bida road has been a source of worry for many years, and appreciated the farmer Governor for his strong will to better the lives of the people, even as he called on the citizens to continue to support the present administration.
Representative of the IsDB, Mr. Alagi Bashir said the Minna-Bida road when completed will bring about economic growth and improve the quality of life, pledged willingness to support the state government for more developmental initiatives.
Also speaking, the Lead Consultant, Engr. Musa Nimrod explained that the road project was designed to meet global best practices, and it is divided into three lots, adding that Dantata and Sawoe will handle lot one which is 0-km15, Triacta Nigeria Ltd will execute lot two which is from km15 to km55 (40 km), while Arab Contractors will carry out lot three from km55 to km82 (27 km).
Representatives of the contracting firms, promised to deliver good and quality project for the people of the State.
The road project, which would be completed in 24 months, is expected to improve connectivity, engender socio-economic development and reduce travel time among others.
Asabe Sule Garba
HOC MINNA
