Niger State Government Expedites Road Projects To Boost Socio-Economic Development

The Niger State Government, in north-central Nigeria, has expedited action on several road projects across the state to enhance the socio-economic development of both rural and urban communities.

The Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo, stated while speaking with journalists in Minna, the state capital, said the projects is aimed to alleviate the plight of citizens and improve their livelihoods.

He highlighted that one of the major components of this effort is the upgrading and dualization of the Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project (82km) in Niger State.

According to Ebbo, this includes river crossings such as major bridges, minor side and cross drainage structures, as well as technical supervision, consulting services, and social interventions in some communities along the project corridor.

“the road project involves the construction of pedestrian bridges, toll gates, and interchanges in Minna and Bida. The Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project has been divided into three lots for ease of construction and supervision.”

“the Project Development Objective (PDO) is to enhance connectivity along the corridor, boosting economic and social activities for optimal productivity in the state.”Ebbo added.

“Other objectives include improving road quality, increasing road capacity, facilitating linkage to federal roads, enhancing the movement of goods and services, improving travel time, reducing accident rates, generating revenue, and improving access to health facilities and markets for agricultural produce.” Ebbo said.

Ebbo noted that once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve traffic control, and lower vehicle maintenance costs for commuters.

He further stated that before the award of the Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project, commuters spent an average of two and a half hours traveling the 82km distance from Minna to Bida. However, this will soon become a thing of the past as the project nears completion.

Abdulbaqy Ebbo also said that the three lots of the Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project were divided to streamline construction and supervision activities. Lot 1, from Kpakungu to before Garatu (CH0+000 – CH15+000), was awarded to Messrs DANTATA & SAWOE Construction Company (Nig.) Limited.

Lot 2, from Garatu to Kakapkangi (CH15+000 – CH55+000), covering 40km, was awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited, while Lot 3, from Kakapkangi to Bida (CH55+000 – CH82+000), covering 27km, was awarded to Messrs Arab Contractors O.A.O Nigeria Ltd./Arab Contractors O.A.O Egypt (JV).

He added that each of the lots is being financed by the Niger State Government, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, respectively. All three contractors are on-site, and work is progressing without hitches.

Olusola Akintonde