By|| Goodluck E.Adubazi || Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to accelerate the delivery of critical federal road and bridge projects in Niger State, following a high-level meeting between the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, and the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago.
Speaking after the meeting at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, Senator Umahi praised Governor Bago for his sustained commitment to infrastructure development and urban renewal across the state, noting that several state-led interventions have directly improved federal road corridors and boosted public welfare.
The Minister acknowledged the persistent challenges facing federal roads in Niger State, stressing that infrastructure development remains a shared responsibility across all levels of government. He commended ongoing renewal efforts in Bida, Minna, and Suleja, describing them as transformative projects that have enhanced mobility and stimulated economic activity.
Senator Umahi assured the Governor of the Federal Government’s full backing on priority projects, particularly the 71-kilometre Minna–Suleja Road, which has secured approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement and is awaiting consideration by the Federal Executive Council. He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the project be prioritised, adding that any advance funds expended by the Niger State Government would be reimbursed.
On the Jebba and Lambata bridges, the Minister revealed that integrity tests and repairs on expansion joints are currently ongoing. He warned against indiscriminate parking, trading, and congestion on bridges, explaining that such practices accelerate structural deterioration. “Bridges are designed for the dynamic movement of traffic, not static loads,” he said, announcing plans to engage transport unions and other stakeholders to protect the nation’s bridge assets.
The Minister also disclosed that all ongoing NNPC-funded road projects nationwide have now been approved for takeover by the Ministry of Works, in line with presidential directives. Funding frameworks are being finalised to ensure uninterrupted project execution. He further directed ministry officials to submit comprehensive status reports on all federal road projects in Niger State to enable swift intervention where necessary.
Earlier, Governor Bago expressed appreciation to the Minister and his team for their responsiveness and collaborative approach. He described Niger State as Nigeria’s central corridor linking the North and South, with more than 100,000 trucks traversing its major routes daily.
The Governor raised concerns over worsening traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, and security challenges along key corridors such as Jebba–Lambata–Minna–Suleja. He called for urgent structural assessments and rehabilitation of heavily trafficked bridges, particularly the Jebba Bridge, to avert potential disasters.
Governor Bago also commended the Federal Government for the ongoing concrete pavement works on the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway and urged the adoption of similar durable solutions on other major highways nationwide.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration to fast-track federal road projects, improve road safety, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Niger State and Nigerians at large.
