The Federal Government has commenced the reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora highway in Niger State at a cost of ₦1.5 trillion, with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, urging Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid to enable the completion of ongoing road projects nationwide.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in Bida, with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago representing the President.
Speaking at the event, Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government was executing 5,500 kilometres of new and ongoing road projects across the country, with Niger State accounting for 1,055 kilometres.
He described the highway as a potential fifth legacy road project of the Tinubu administration, citing its length, the use of reinforced concrete pavement and the participation of the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme.
The minister said Tinubu required another four-year term to complete the numerous road projects initiated under his administration, adding that the government remained committed to improving infrastructure across the country’s geopolitical zones.
Umahi also disclosed that 162 kilometres of roads and 115 metres of bridges had been completed in the North-Central region.
He commended Bago for constructing more than 300 kilometres of roads, over five flyovers and an underpass in Niger State.
The minister attributed the infrastructure projects to Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that the policies had created opportunities for governments to invest in critical development initiatives.
He added that the highway would strengthen transportation links within Niger State and improve connectivity between the North-Central region and other parts of the country.
Representing Tinubu at the event, Bago described the highway as a major intervention along a strategic transportation corridor that connects communities and facilitates the movement of people and goods.
The governor thanked the President for approving the project and other road interventions in the state.
He pledged that Niger State would deliver the highest number of votes nationwide for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Bago also urged Nigerians to maintain peace, arguing that the President should be allowed to complete a second term before power returned to the North.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the project demonstrated the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms.
Idris maintained that the country was making progress in road infrastructure development and urged Nigerians to support the administration.
Similarly, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, commended Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure renewal and praised Bago for his efforts in securing the project.
Usman said the highway would improve commercial activities, strengthen transportation links and stimulate economic development at the grassroots.
