ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN NIGER STATE, A NEW DAWN

Infrastructural Development:Given the passion, sincerity and diligence of the Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to make Niger State one of the leading agricultural hubs in Africa; the state government has accorded great priority to road construction. This is to facilitate the smooth movement of people and agricultural products to other states and even to neighboring countries. It is based on this premise that Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago is investing massively in road construction and rehabilitation. The serious vigour put in by the Governor for the execution of 1,000 kilometers road projects in all parts of the state is unprecedented and breathtaking! This drive can only be contemplated by a bold leader like the Farmer Governor. It is also a Renewed Hope for the people of the state - that was adjudged in the past as having dilapidated road infrastructure. Today, almost every part of Niger State is now a construction site courtesy of the Farmer Governor's audacious moves in the last one year. What many people considered impossible in the past has been made possible by the ambitious but resolute Farmer Governor. The governor's excellent record in road construction include: the completed 49km Paiko - Lapai road; the 118km road projects in Kontagora; 90km Kontagora - Rijau road; the ongoing 44km dual carriage Bida Ring road; the proposed 30km Madalla - Suleja - Maje dual carriage road; 41Km Kakaki - Minna Road; Construction of Chanchaga Road; Reconstruction of Minna - Bida Road; special intervention on 90km Agwara - Borgu road and other ongoing road projects across each of the 25 local government areas in the state.  The first phase of the state’s Urban Renewal drive is in progress; it is expected to cover the construction of five (5) flyovers in Minna - the state capital. In the same vein, a 100km standard road with accompanying drainages and solar street lights is being considered in Minna. Similarly, a 50km road with accompanying drainages and solar street lights is also being constructed in Suleja, Bida and Kontagora. Apart from road construction and rehabilitation, several other infrastructural projects are ongoing simultaneously in the state. These projects include: the revival of the 3 Arms Zone project with a new Judiciary complex, remodeling of the Niger State Secretariat and reconstruction of SSG’s Office. Similarly, to address the housing deficit which has become a global phenomenon, the state government has made a commitment to provide land for the Federal Housing Authority so that it can construct affordable houses for the people. The state’s Light Up Niger 2024 Project is on full course. The initiative is a comprehensive electrification project aimed at achieving an improved power supply for the power state. Several measures have been put in place such as the revitalisation of Niger State Rural Electricity Board and procurement of transformers. Other infrastructural projects are remodeling of the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium Minna to NPFL Standard thereby strengthening the state’s Niger Tornadoes Football Club while giving Nigelites the ability to watch Nigerian Premier League matches in Minna.

Ahmed Haruna Tswata 

SSA Political Mobilisation