FG, Niger Govt Align to Accelerate Federal Road Projects
The Federal Government and the Niger State Government have agreed to strengthen collaboration to accelerate the delivery of ongoing Federal road and bridge projects across the state.
This understanding was reached, during a high-level meeting between the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Mohammed Bago, at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
Speaking after the meeting, Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fast-tracking key infrastructure projects in Niger State, describing road development as a shared responsibility that cuts across jurisdictional boundaries.
He commended Governor Bago for his administration’s interventions on Federal road corridors, noting that such efforts have significantly improved mobility and economic activities in areas including Minna, Bida and Suleja.
The Minister disclosed that the 71-kilometre Minna–Suleja Road project has received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement and is awaiting consideration by the Federal Executive Council.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the project be prioritised, assuring that any advance funds expended by the Niger State Government would be refunded.
Umahi also provided updates on the Jebba and Lambata bridges, stating that integrity tests and work on expansion joints are currently ongoing.
He warned against indiscriminate parking, trading activities and traffic congestion on bridges, stressing that such practices accelerate structural deterioration.
According to him, plans are underway to engage transport unions and other stakeholders to protect critical bridge infrastructure.
The Minister further revealed that all NNPC-funded road projects nationwide have been approved for takeover by the Ministry of Works, in line with presidential directives.
He said funding templates are being finalised to ensure the smooth continuation of work and directed officials to submit detailed status reports on all Federal road projects in Niger State to enable timely interventions.
In his remarks, Governor Bago thanked the Minister for his responsiveness and collaborative approach, highlighting Niger State’s strategic position as a central transport corridor linking the North and South.
He noted that over 100,000 trucks traverse major routes in the state daily, placing immense pressure on road and bridge infrastructure.
The Governor raised concerns over severe traffic congestion, infrastructure degradation and security challenges along key corridors such as Jebba–Lambata–Minna–Suleja.
He called for urgent attention to the structural integrity of the Jebba Bridge and other heavily trafficked bridges, urging accelerated rehabilitation works and improved traffic control measures.
Governor Bago also commended the Federal Government for ongoing concrete pavement works on the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway and advocated for the adoption of similar durable solutions on other major highways.