Tinubu Executing 5,500km Road Projects Nationwide, Umahi Says

…..vows that nationwide projects will boost connectivity and economic growth

By Daniel Ebi, Minna

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has disclosed that the Federal Government is executing about 5,500 kilometres of new and ongoing highway projects across Nigeria, with Niger State accounting for 1,055 kilometres.

Umahi made the disclosure on Tuesday at the flag-off of the reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora Federal Highway in Bida, Niger State.

He described the highway as a strategic infrastructure project capable of transforming transportation, boosting trade and strengthening economic connectivity across the country.

The minister said the project, to be executed by the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, would feature reinforced concrete pavement designed to provide a durable road surface.

Umahi described the highway as a potential fifth legacy highway of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the administration’s infrastructure projects demonstrated the importance of sustaining ongoing investments.

He said the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration had unlocked resources and created opportunities for federal and state governments to invest in critical infrastructure.

According to him, the Federal Government has completed 162 kilometres of roads and 115 metres of bridges in the North-Central geopolitical zone under the current administration.

The minister said the Niger State section of the highway would improve connectivity between communities in the North-Central region and other parts of the country.

He also commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his infrastructure development initiatives, particularly the construction of more than 300 kilometres of roads, over five flyovers and an underpass.

Umahi praised the governor for undertaking critical road projects, including infrastructure within areas of federal responsibility, describing his approach as a demonstration of commitment to development.

Speaking on behalf of the Dangote Group, the company’s Special Adviser to the President, Mansir Ahmed, expressed the group’s commitment to the successful delivery of the highway.

Ahmed described the corridor as a strategic economic lifeline, noting that its reconstruction would improve transportation and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and industrial goods.

He disclosed that construction would commence simultaneously at four locations to accelerate the pace of work, adding that reinforced concrete pavement would be used instead of conventional asphalt.

According to him, the completed highway would reduce travel time, ease the movement of goods and open up commercial opportunities for young people and businesses along the corridor.

Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Governor Bago described the project as a landmark intervention along a critical transport route connecting agrarian communities with major commercial centres.

The governor thanked the President for including Niger State in the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme, saying the project would contribute to economic growth and improved connectivity.

Bago also pledged that Niger State would deliver the highest number of votes nationwide for Tinubu in the next general election, describing the Federal Government’s infrastructure investments as deserving of political support.

The Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora highway is expected to strengthen road transportation across Niger State and improve access to markets for farmers, traders and industrial operators.

The project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader highway development programme aimed at improving the nation’s road network, facilitating commerce and supporting economic activities across the six geopolitical zones.