The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Umahi and Niger State Governor, Farmer Umaru Mohammed Bago, on Wednesday in Abuja, committed to fast-track federal road projects, to stimulate economic activities, and improve quality of life for the people of Niger State and Nigerians at large.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister commended Governor Bago for his untiring efforts toward infrastructure development and urban renewal across Niger State, nothing with appreciation, that many of the state government’s interventions are on Federal road corridors that directly benefit the citizens.
As contained in statement released by the Ministry, Umahi who acknowledged the numerous challenges associated with Federal roads in the State, stressed that road infrastructure development is a shared responsibility, irrespective of jurisdiction.
He praised the significant interventions in areas such as Bida, Minna, and Suleja, describing them as impactful urban renewal efforts that have enhanced mobility and boosted economic activities.
The Minister assured the Governor of the Federal Government’s strong support, particularly on key projects including the Minna–Suleja Road (71km), which has received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and awaiting consideration by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has personally directed that the project be prioritised while assured any advance intervention funds expended by the Niger State Government would be refunded.
On the Jebba and Lambata Bridges, the Minister informed his August visitor that integrity tests and work on the expansion joints are ongoing.
Umahi stressed the urgent need to curb indiscriminate parking, trading activities, and traffic congestion on bridges, which accelerate their structural deterioration. “Bridges are not designed to carry static loads but built for the dynamic flow of traffic,” he advised.
He announced plans to engage key stakeholders, including transport unions and tanker drivers, to safeguard national assets and extend the lifespan of bridges.
The Minister further disclosed that all ongoing NNPC-funded road projects, nationwide, have now been approved for takeover by the Ministry, in line with Mr. President’s directive.
Funding templates are currently being finalised to ensure the seamless continuation of works on such projects.
He also directed officials of the Ministry to provide comprehensive status reports on all Federal road projects in the state to enable prompt interventions, where required.
Earlier, Governor Bago expressed appreciation to the Minister and his team for their responsiveness and collaborative approach. He highlighted the strategic importance of Niger State as Nigeria’s central corridor linking the North and South, with over 100,000 trucks traversing major routes in the State on a daily basis.
The Governor raised concerns about severe traffic congestion, infrastructure degradation, and security challenges along critical corridors, such as Jebba–Lambata–Minna–Suleja.
He called for urgent attention to the structural integrity of the Jebba Bridge and other heavily trafficked bridges, emphasising the need for structural testing, traffic control measures, and accelerated rehabilitation works to avert potential disasters.
The Governor also commended the Federal Govt for the ongoing concrete pavement works on the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway and urged that similar durable solutions be applied to other major highways in the country.
