The Federal Government has commenced the reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora highway in Niger State, with the N1.8 trillion project expected to improve transportation, agricultural trade and economic activities across the North-Central region.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday, with Minister of Works David Umahi announcing that the highway would be constructed in partnership with the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme.
Umahi explained that the project would feature a dual carriageway built with reinforced concrete pavement, a construction method intended to improve durability.
He described the highway as a major infrastructure investment that could qualify as the fifth legacy project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is undertaking approximately 5,500 kilometres of road projects across the North-Central region, with Niger State accounting for 1,055 kilometres.
He added that 162 kilometres of roads and 150 metres of bridges had already been completed across the region.
Umahi also disclosed that the administration had approved additional sections for other major road projects, including a 400-kilometre extension to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and 410 kilometres along the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri corridor.
He maintained that the additions would expand connectivity without altering existing project alignments.
Representing the Dangote Group, Mansur Ahmed emphasised the economic importance of the Niger highway, particularly its potential to improve agricultural distribution and commercial transportation.
He expressed confidence that the completed road would encourage business expansion, create employment opportunities and strengthen connections between agricultural producers and markets.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago welcomed the project, describing improved road infrastructure as essential to economic growth and development.
Similarly, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the investment reflected the administration’s infrastructure development agenda.
Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation Yiltong David explained that the highway would strengthen commercial links between communities while improving traffic movement and road safety.
He noted that farmers, traders and other road users would benefit from easier access to markets and reduced transportation difficulties.
The project also received support from the National Assembly, with Senate Committee on Works Chairman Allwell Onyesoh and his House of Representatives counterpart, Akin Alabi, pledging continued legislative backing for infrastructure development.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, described the project as a significant investment that could reduce travel time and stimulate local commerce.
Residents who spoke during the ceremony also welcomed the development, expressing hope that improved road access would attract economic opportunities to their communities.
The highway’s eventual impact will depend on successful execution, with the government and its private-sector partner expected to deliver improved connectivity along the important transport corridor.
