ASHENEWS reports that President Bola Tinubu says that his administration will ensure food sufficiency in Niger state and all parts of the country.
The president stated this during the groundbreaking of the 82 km Minna-Bida dual carriageway way at Kakakpangi community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, said that he will continue to support and partner with states for effective delivery of dividends of democracy.
The President equally applauded the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago for massive road construction in the State.
In his remarks, the Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago appreciated president Tinubu for approving the take-off of the granting Tax Credit Scheme which he said will lead to the full financing of the reconstruction of Minna- Kontagora; Bida-Zungeru; Lapai-Mokwa; and Minna-Suleja road projects.
The Governor said that the state government has, with the ongoing infrastructural development in the state, set a target of N5 Trillion in GDP in the next year.
Speaking further on the project, the Governor said the project will consist of streetlights, an interchange, and an underpass at both ends of the dual-carriageway.
He noted that the project is of paramount economic importance to the State and assured that 100% funding has been provided by IsDB and the ADFD for the Minna-Bida road project.
He said the project would create about three million direct and indirect jobs for youth and women, as he has directed the contractors to patronise the services of local vendors.
While congratulating the contractors, the Governor reminded them that compromise of standard and quality would not be entertained adding that schools, hospitals, and markets would be constructed by the contractors along the road, as their Corporate Social Responsibilities.
Representative of the IsDB, Mr. Alagi Bashir said the Minna-Bida road when completed will bring about economic growth and improve the quality of life, pledged willingness to support the state government for more developmental initiatives.
Also speaking, the Lead Consultant, Engr. Musa Nimrod explained that the road project was designed to meet global best practices, and it is divided into three lots, adding that Dantata and Sawoe will handle lot one which is 0-km15, Triacta Nigeria Ltd will execute lot two which is from km15 to km55 (40 km), while Arab Contractors will carry out lot three from km55 to km82 (27 km).
This online platform reports that the 82 km Minna-Bida dual carriageway way, will be co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the Niger State Government.
The road project, which would be completed in 24 months, is expected to improve connectivity, engender socio-economic development and reduce travel time among others.
