By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government has flagged off the ₦1.8 trillion reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora road, a project expected to boost agricultural trade, create jobs and strengthen economic activities across Niger State and neighbouring areas.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, stated this on Thursday at the flag-off ceremony in Bida, describing the highway as a strategic infrastructure investment that will connect rural communities to markets and expand opportunities for farmers, traders, transporters and small businesses.
Idris, who represented members of the Federal Executive Council at the event, said the road will ease movement of farm produce from producing communities to consumers, facilitate commercial activities and link businesses to wider markets.
He said communities along the corridor would have improved access to economic opportunities, noting that the project marks a major step in strengthening transport infrastructure and supporting economic development in Niger State and beyond.
According to him, the highway will generate employment during construction and create additional opportunities for youths, entrepreneurs and small-scale business owners upon completion.
He urged residents along the route to cooperate with contractors, protect the right of way and safeguard public infrastructure to ensure timely delivery.
Idris commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development, saying investments in roads were aimed at improving living conditions and expanding economic opportunities.
He also acknowledged the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for his role in implementing the Federal Government’s road infrastructure programme.
Niger State Governor, Mr. Mohammed Umaru Bago, thanked President Tinubu for supporting the state with major infrastructure projects, saying the interventions would strengthen the state’s economy and improve welfare, particularly for those dependent on agriculture, transportation and commerce.
Bago expressed optimism that the administration’s projects would attract substantial electoral support in the state in the 2027 general election.
Also speaking, Umahi praised the President’s infrastructure drive and dismissed claims that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway had been abandoned, explaining that construction was ongoing and the project had been extended by 400 kilometres to align with the East-West Road.
The Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora highway is expected to improve connectivity between major towns, farming communities and commercial centres, reduce transportation challenges and support movement of goods across the state.
Niger State is a major agricultural producing area, and improved road connectivity is expected to help farmers move produce more efficiently, access larger markets and reduce delays in conveying goods from rural areas to urban centres.
The project is also expected to support local businesses by improving access to suppliers, customers and essential services.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor of Niger State, Mr. Yakubu Garba; Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh; Chairman, House Committee on Works, Mr. Akin Alabi; Minister of State for Works, Mr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo; and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
Others were the Etsu Nupe, His Highness Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Mrs. Abiodun Essiet; and Secretary to the Niger State Government, Mr. Abubakar Usman.
