…Governor Bago/NASS commends Minister’s swift intervention
By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Thursday lamented that despite bogus claim of 84% completion of the Minna-Suleja road, the contractor: Messrs. Stabilini Limited has been collecting federal funds for over 14 years without commensurate work on the project.
He expressed disappointment over the present parlous state of roads especially the Minna-Suleja road even as he described the roads it as an eyesore and discouraging.
The Minister further lamented that despite bogus claim of 84% completion, the company has been collecting federal funds for over 14 years without commensurate work on the project.
While stakeholders laud the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s for continuously impacting the lives of Nigerians through one of its Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, stated this at a town hall meeting and stakeholders’ engagement on the construction of the 125-kilometre section I, 3-lane single carriageway (Niger State component) of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway in Minna, Niger State.
Umahi, highlighted the importance of the meeting, which focuses on constructing the 125-kilometre Niger State alignment of the larger 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry super highway.
The Director of Media and PR, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, quoted the Minister as saying that the Minister, the super highway, one of the 4 legacy projects of the federal government, will pass through several states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos with 125 kilometres to be constructed within Niger State.
Umahi, underscores the project’s potential to enhance infrastructure development and stimulate socio-economic activities along its corridor, bringing direct benefits to local residents, as well as businesses.
“Niger State, with its extensive network of Federal roads, faces numerous challenges due to their poor conditions. Many of these road projects, some dating back to 2010, remain uncompleted.
“For example, the dualisation of Suleja-Minna road remains unfinished since being awarded in 2010 and the Bida-Lapai-Lambata road is at 64% completion despite being awarded over a decade ago.
“Quality infrastructure and timely project completion are priorities for both state and federal stakeholders.” he declared.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of the stakeholders’ engagement, which focuses on issues concerning the 125-kilometre Niger State alignment of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway.
He announced that decisive actions would be taken against contractors handling ongoing road projects in Niger State, while inviting them to a crucial meeting at the Ministry, Headquarters on Friday, 15th November, 2024.
The Minister also stated that President Tinubu’s administration prioritises investments aimed at stimulating growth across multiple sectors of our national life.
He further revealed that the present administration inherited 2,604 projects, even as he solicits for National Assembly’s support in securing special intervention funds to complete them, as well as other new projects.
He pleaded with Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the President’s effort towards improving their wellbeing.
He further explained that the Renewed Hope Administration’s shift from asphaltic to concrete pavement, in road construction, is informed by its cost effectiveness (in the long run) and sustainability due to the use of locally sourced materials.
Earlier, the State Governor, Mr. Mohammed Bago, called on the Federal Government to revoke the Suleja-Minna road contract due, majorly, to lack of capacity exhibited by the contractor, Messrs. Stabilini Nigeria Ltd.
Bago, recommended that contractors with proven capabilities in delivering quality works be engaged to complete the lingering project.
The Governor assured his guest of the state’s support for President Tinibu’s administration, emphasising the need for engaging reliable contractors to ensure quality and timely completion of projects.
He also unveiled plans to establish a cement factory in Niger State, leveraging the state’s abundant raw materials, in order to cash in on the use of concrete pavement in the construction of the new alignment.
In his Remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Yakubu Kofarmata, emphasised the need for stakeholders in the state to join hands with the Federal Government by supporting the Renewed Agenda, as Mr. President has done well in the development of the State and he will continue to champion infrastructural development.
He assured the good people of the state and the nation, at large, that Mr. President has not neglected the Northern part of the country, in whatever guise.
Representing the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, its Vice Chairman, Senator Rufa’i Hanga praised Tinubu’s vision and foresight stating that the project, when completed, would boost productivity, commerce and socio-economic growth.
The House Committee Chairman on Works, Mr. Akin Alabi, called for the declaration of a “state of emergency” on Niger’s Federal roads, advising the Minister to engage an independent consultant to assess all ongoing road and bridge projects, nationwide.
Furthermore, various Stakeholders, who spoke on behalf of the various communities affected by the Sokoto-Badagry road project, called on the Federal Government to ensure that commensurate compensation is paid to the affected people, while pledging their support to the successful execution of the project.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, represented by the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mu’azu Barau II, also applauded the President’s focus on infrastructure development and begged for government’s intervention in rehabilitating additional roads within the State.
The Senator representing Niger-east, Senator Sani Musa commended Tinubu and Governor Bago’s infrastructure drive, also requested that critical projects such as the Zungeru Bridge, Tegina-Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna and Sarkin Pawa-Kaduna roads be given priority attention.
He further urged the Federal Government to declare a “state of emergency” on Niger state’s dilapidated roads.
The Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Abdulmalik Muhammed, commended President Tinubu and Governor Bago’s determination to transform the country and state, respectively.
