NIGER STATE: TINUBU’S ₦1.8TN LAMBATA–BIDA–MOKWA–MAKERA–KONTAGORA HIGHWAY TO BOOST TRADE, AGRICULTURE, JOBS — INFORMATION MINISTER
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Federal Government’s ₦1.8 trillion reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road will boost trade, agriculture and job creation by connecting communities to markets and opening up economic opportunities across Niger State and beyond.
Idris said this on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony for the road project in Bida, Niger State, speaking on behalf of members of the federal executive council present. He described the highway as a major investment in Nigeria’s economy.
“Today, we do more than flag off the construction of a road. We are opening a gateway to opportunity. We are connecting communities to markets, farmers to consumers, businesses to customers and our people to a more prosperous future. For Niger State and for Nigeria, this is a defining moment,” the Minister said.
He commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development, and praised Niger State Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago for securing federal support for the state’s development priorities. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to the implementation of the Federal Government’s road infrastructure programme.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has shown, through projects of this magnitude, that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a statement of aspiration. It is a programme of concrete investments designed to expand economic opportunities, improve the quality of life of our citizens and lay the foundations for lasting national development,” Idris said.
The Minister said the project would create jobs during construction and provide lasting opportunities for transport operators, small businesses, young people and entrepreneurs. He urged residents and communities along the route to cooperate with the contractors, protect the right of way and safeguard public infrastructure to ensure the project is completed successfully.
“I urge everyone to support the contractors, protect the right of way and safeguard public infrastructure. Let us work together to ensure that this investment is completed on time and delivers its full benefits,” he said.
In his speech, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, thanked President Tinubu for supporting Niger State’s development through major infrastructure projects and other policies. He said these interventions would strengthen the state’s economy and improve the lives of its people, and he promised that the President would win a landslide victory in Niger State.
“Because of the road projects and the positive policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am confident that he will record a landslide victory in Niger State,” Bago said.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, praised President Tinubu’s infrastructure projects and said the President deserved a second term in office based on his achievements. He also dismissed claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway had been abandoned, explaining that construction was ongoing and that the project had been extended by an additional 400 kilometres to align it with the East–West Road.
The ₦1.8 trillion highway project is expected to improve connections between major towns, farming communities and commercial centres, strengthening Niger State’s role in agricultural production and trade.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comr. Yakubu Garba; the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Allwell Heacho Onyesoh; the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi; the Honourable Minister of State, Works, Rt. Hon. Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security; Sen. Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Etsu Nupe, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Yahaya Abubakar; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Dr Abiodun Essiet; the Secretary to the Niger State Government; Alh. Abubakar Usman; among other dignitaries.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Wednesday, 14 October, 2026
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