Farmer Governor Bago Hails Tinubu, Dangote Over N1.8 Trillion Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Kontagora Highway Project

For years, farmers, traders and commuters travelling through Niger State have endured long, difficult journeys along the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora corridor. Farm produce and many other essential commodities often arrived late at their destinations, vehicles suffered damages as the road became nightmare for commuters while communities along the route struggled daily to fully benefit from their economic potential.

That reality is expected to change following the groundbreaking ceremony for the total reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre federal highway, a project valued at N1.8 trillion. At the ceremony in Bida, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and described the road as one of the major interventions that would support economic transformation in the state.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, also noted the project is one of the President’s legacy infrastructure projects across the country that will be built with reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability and quality, while his counterpart in the Information and National Orientation Ministry, Mohammed Idris Malagi described the project as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development aimed at supporting economic growth and national prosperity. The Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, also agree that the highway was central to Nigeria’s economy and that completing it would transform the corridor into one of Nigeria’s economically active routes, creating employment opportunities, supporting businesses and improving the movement of goods and services.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Malam Bologi Ibrahim said the project, undertaken by the Federal Government in partnership with the Dangote Group, is expected to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and strengthen transportation across Niger State and other parts of Nigeria.

According to him, Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago is highly excited about the road project and sees it as a landmark investment that would transform the state’s economic landscape and improve the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on the strategic highway for transportation, trade and agricultural activities.

The Farmer Governor, expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government, and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the political will and foresight to address a long-standing infrastructure need stressing that quality road networks are essential to national productivity, food security, commerce and sustainable economic growth.

The Governor appreciated the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and officials of the ministry for their technical planning and coordination, while also commending the Dangote Group for partnering with the Federal Government and engagement of a competent construction firm to deliver the project.

The Farmer Governor also expressed gratitude to members of the National Assembly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, traditional institutions, prominent Nigerians and all those who directly or indirectly contributed to the flag-off of the project. ‎

‎While pledging support for the successful execution of the project, Farmer Governor Umaru Bago said the state government looked forward to the completion of the highway, which would unlock the state’s agricultural potential, expand trade and improve the welfare of its people. ‎ ‎Governor Bago called on residents and communities along the route to cooperate with the relevant authorities and protect construction infrastructure.

He also urged contractors and implementing agencies to uphold high standards of quality, transparency, accountability and safety, stressing that the project’s ultimate success would depend on the timely delivery of a durable road that serves present and future generations. ‎ ‎

Beyond improving transportation, the highway is expected to reduce travel difficulties, improve road safety, facilitate the movement of farm produce, connect farmers to markets and attract investment to communities along the corridor. ‎ ‎Its completion will also strengthen links between major commercial centres and support the distribution of goods across the country.