Adelowo Oladipo, Author at Tribune Online

Abdulberqy Usman Enjoy, Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has stated that the state government has expedited action on several road projects embarked upon across the state to improve the socio-economic development of its rural and urban communities. Usman Ebbo noted on his Facebook page on Friday that the projects aim to ameliorate the plights of citizens and enhance their livelihoods. He highlighted that one of the major components of this endeavour is the upgrading and dualisation of the Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project (82 km) in Niger State. This project includes river crossings, such as major bridges, minor sides, and cross-drainage structures, as well as related technical supervision, consulting services, and social interventions in some communities along the project corridor. Abdulberqy Ebbo further revealed that the road project entails the construction of pedestrian bridges, toll gates, and interchanges in Minna and Bida towns. The Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project is divided into three lots. He added that the Projects Development Objective (PDO) is to improve the interconnection of the road corridor to enhance major economic and social activities, thereby optimising the productivity of the state. Other objectives include improving riding quality, increasing road capacity, aiding linkage to federal roads, enhancing the movement of goods and services, reducing travel time, lowering accident rates, generating revenue, and improving access to health facilities and agricultural markets. According to Ebbo, it is anticipated that when the project is completed, there will be a significant reduction in travel time, better traffic control, and lower maintenance costs for commuters' vehicles. The Special Adviser hinted that before the award of the Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project, commuters along the route spent an average of two and a half hours travelling from Minna to Bida, a distance of 82 km. However, this will soon be a thing of the past as the project nears completion. Abdulbaqy Ebbo maintained that the three lots of the Minna-Kataeregi-Bida Road Project were divided to facilitate construction and supervision activities. Lot one, from Kpakungu to Garatu (CH0+000 - CH15+000), was awarded to Messrs Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company (Nig.) Limited. Lot two, spanning from Garatu to Kakapkangi (CH15+000 – CH55+000), covering 40 km, was awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited. Lot three, from Kakapkangi to Bida (CH55+000 – CH82+000), covering 27 km, 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 financed by the Niger State Government, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, respectively. Ebbo stated that all three contractors are on-site, and work is ongoing without any hitches. ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE New curriculum: Every student must graduate with at least two skills — FG JUST IN: Court summons Yahaya Bello over corruption allegations Reps to probe Buhari’s tax credit scheme Senate summons Umahi over ‘abandoned’ old Oyo-Ogbomosho road Take decisive action to avert Rivers crisis, Senator Natasha urges Tinubu Aftermath of Supreme Court ruling: How Nigerian states raced to conduct LG polls