Niger Governor Calls for Revocation of Minna-Suleja Road Contract 

Niger State Governor, north central Nigeria, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has urged the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to revoke the contract for the Minna-Suleja road project from Salini Nigeria Limited, citing the company’s lack of capacity to complete the work awarded over 14 years ago.

The Governor made the appeal at a Town Hall meeting held in Minna, aimed at engaging stakeholders on the construction of the 125-kilometer, three-lane single carriageway, which constitutes Niger State’s segment of the 1,068-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

Governor Bago proposed that the project be re-awarded to other firms like Hi-Tech or 0CCECC, due to their proven track record in road construction.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure, particularly the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and called for further federal interventions and reimbursement of state funds spent on federal road maintenance.

Highlighting the project’s importance, Governor Bago pointed out that the 125-kilometer road would significantly benefit surrounding communities and urged the Minister of Works to include feeder roads connecting local farmlands to boost agricultural productivity in the state.

Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, also expressed concern over the prolonged delays in completing the Minna-Suleja road and pledged to take decisive action.

He called for a meeting with all contractors working on federal road projects in Niger State, as well as relevant National Assembly members and state representatives, to strategise for successful project completion.

Discussing the 125-kilometer Niger State segment of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Umahi emphasised the economic potential along the corridor, noting 68 dams, farmlands, factories, and other economic assets.

Concrete Roads

He explained that the Tinubu administration’s shift to concrete roads, which have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years, is cost-effective and sustainable due to the use of locally sourced materials.

Senator Umahi also disclosed that the Tinubu administration inherited 2,604 projects and called for National Assembly’s support in securing special funds to complete these and other new initiatives. He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the President’s efforts to improve citizens’ lives.

Representing the Senate Committee on Works, Vice Chairman Rufai Sani Hanga praised President Tinubu’s initiative, stating that the completed project would boost productivity, commerce, and economic growth nationwide. House Committee Chairman Akin Alabi called for a state of emergency on Niger State’s federal roads, advising the Minister to engage an independent consultant to oversee road project supervision nationwide.

Senator Sani Mohammed Musa of Niger East commended Governor Bago’s infrastructure efforts and requested that critical projects, including the Zungeru Bridge, Tegina-Brini Gwari-Kaduna road, and Sarkin Pawa-Kaduna road, receive priority.

Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, represented by the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mu’azu Barau II, also applauded the President’s focus on road development and urged federal intervention in rehabilitating additional roads within the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, noted that the project would drive economic growth and regional connectivity, aligning with Governor Bago’s agricultural agenda, which requires robust infrastructure.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, thanked Minister Umahi for his commitment and urged him to give more attention to federal roads in Niger State.

Various community representatives also spoke, expressing support for the superhighway project and calling for timely compensation for affected residents.

Hauwa Abu