Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, North Central Nigeria, has unveiled plans to inject a staggering N1 trillion into the state’s infrastructural development over the next two years.
The declaration was made during the commencement of a startup workshop dedicated to the Minna-Bida road project, a collaboration between the state government and international entities, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), held at the Government House in Minna.
Governor Bago emphasized the pivotal role of Niger State as a vital link connecting the Northern and Southern regions of Nigeria. He stressed that “the comprehensive development of the state’s infrastructure would not only greatly benefit the local populace but also contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.”
Expressing gratitude to the IsDB and ADFD for their commitment to co-finance the Minna-Bida road project, Governor Umaru Bago underscored the immense potential that the state possesses.
According to Governor, “The state extensive size, the presence of four hydro dams, and eight national-to-international borders is a compelling factors that make Niger State an attractive destination for potential investors.”
However, Governor Bago did not shy away from addressing the existing challenges. He expressed deep concern over the prevailing security issues and the state’s infrastructural deficiencies.
In a call for support, he urged development partners to engage in collaborative efforts, particularly in the areas of security, health, education, and agriculture.
Governor Bago assured them of the availability of counterpart funds to facilitate these initiatives.
Additionally, the Governor instructed his Commissioner for Communication Technology and Digital Economy, Suleiman Isah, to engage telecommunication companies in discussions regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at enhancing online education in the state.
The head of the project team, Alagi Basiru Gaye, disclosed that a substantial budget of $ 163 million dollars has been allocated for the Minna-Bida road project.
This includes contributions of $86.64 million dollars from the Islamic Development Bank, $44.76 million from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, and$ 31.6 million dollars from the Niger State Government.
Basiru Gaye emphasized the critical importance of the startup workshop, which is integral to the effective implementation of the project.
He noted that it will bolster the capabilities of executing agencies and project management units.
Hassan Baba Etsu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, lauded the Governor’s dedication to the Minna-Bida road project and the timely disbursement of counterpart funds to development partners. He assured the IsDB and ADFD of a conducive environment for project monitoring and a commitment to strict adherence to contract specifications.
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Dahiru Barde Idris underscored the significance of the Minna-Bida project, not only for Niger State but for the entire nation. He pledged full cooperation with development partners to ensure the project’s realization.
Alh. Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the State Government, highlighted the workshop’s pivotal role in fostering a collaborative understanding of how to efficiently and effectively execute the Minna-Bida road project. He hailed the project as a monumental milestone in the state’s development journey.
