The Chairman of the New Niger Development Project, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar-Bida, has assured the timely completion of the Minna-Bida Road and other ongoing projects in the state.
He made this assurance during an interactive session with journalists on Friday in Minna, stating that the project is backed by the Islamic Development Bank.
Abubakar-Bida noted that initial traffic management efforts have reduced travel time from over two hours to just one hour. He added that the dual carriageway is expected to be completed within 20 months. “Upon completion, travel time will be reduced to 25-30 minutes, facilitating easy commuting between Bida and Minna,” he said.
He highlighted that road users have commended the project’s economic impact and assured the public of the timely completion of ongoing projects under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. He emphasised that global best practices, highly qualified consultants, and reputable contractors have been engaged to ensure the quality delivery of projects.
Abubakar-Bida noted that the New Niger Development Project is on track, highlighting that local content inclusion has been prioritised as directed by the state.
The Nigerian Tribune recalls that Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State commenced the reconstruction of the 84-kilometre Minna-Bida Road in May of this year. It was further gathered that the immediate past administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello (now Senator representing Niger North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Abuja) awarded a contract to reconstruct the road in 2020, but the project was abandoned after only 5 per cent of the work was completed.
Further checks revealed that the incumbent governor, Umaru Bago, has recommenced the road reconstruction efforts, announcing full funding for the 84-kilometre stretch through partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank and the Abu Dhabi Foundation.
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