Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has so far embarked on the construction of 1,000 kilometres of road projects across the state, out of which 400 kilometres are federal roads.
Governor Bago gave the hint while performing the groundbreaking of 118 kilometres of roads, comprising three in Kontagora Local Council as part of his urban renewal policy.
The projects, he explained, include the reconstruction of the 90-kilometre Kontagora/Rijau road, the construction of 19.4-kilometre Kontagora Western bypass A and 8.7-kilometre Kontagora Eastern bypass ring road.
Bago disclosed that his administration was aware of the rapid development road construction engenders in the society and concerned about the safety of road users; hence, will embark on road projects to ameliorate the sufferings of citizens plying the roads.
According to him, reconstruction of the Kontagora/Rijau road has been approved by the Federal Government, as it is a Trunk ‘A’ road, adding that the Federal Government has also given a nod to the state for the dualisation of the 41-kilometre Kakkaki/Minna road and 91-kilometre Rofia/Borgu roads, which are all federal roads.
He added: “The Kontagora/Rijau road is to be constructed by Limited, while Western and Eastern bypass ring roads are to be constructed by Brosini Nigeria Limited.
The governor described Kontagora as central in Niger North Senatorial District, and a centre of commerce, pointing out that good road infrastructure would improve the movement of goods.
Earlier, Senator Abubakar Bello (Niger North) and the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulmalikDaji, in their separate remarks, described Bago’s efforts as highly remarkable, expressing confidence that the road projects would open up Kontagora town for development.
Commissioner for Works, Suleiman Umar, disclosed that the projects form part of Bago’s plans to make Niger one of the most economically viable states in the country.
Emir of Kontagora, Muhammad Mu’azu II, expressed gratitude to the governor, saying the road projects would facilitate development within the local councils under Kontagora Emirate and improve supply chain as well as domestic needs.
He commended Bago for fulfilling his campaign promises, while also reiterating the immense benefit the emirate stands to gain from his administration.
