Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has called on the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, to revocate the Minna-Suleja road project from Salini Nigeria Limited.
He made the call during a Town Hall meeting held at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre Minna, aimed at engaging with Stakeholders on the construction of the 125 km; 3 lanes single carriage which is the Niger State component of the 1068 km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
The farmer Governor, who said Salini Company has failed and can’t execute the project, which was awarded in the past 14 years, suggested that the project should be re-awarded to Hi-tech and CCEC.
While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking the bold step in bringing succour to the plight of Nigerians through the execution of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and many other legacy projects across the Country, the farmer Governor appealed for more interventions and refund of the State resources expended on Federal Roads in the State.
He noted that the 125 km road project has enormous value to the communities around the corridor of the project and appealed to the Minister of Works to find a way of accommodating feeder roads in the design of the project to connect to farmlands in the affected communities to increase food productivity.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, who decried the delay in the completion of the Minna-Suleja road project, promised to take decisive action on the project.
He also called for a meeting with all contractors handling the Federal Roads in Niger State, relevant National Assembly members and representatives of the State to discuss ways of making the projects successful.
Speaking on the 125 km Niger State component of the 1068 km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project, the Minister of Works explained that there are 68 dams, many farmlands, factories, irrigations, and many economic advantages along the corridor of the project.
He explained that the Tinubu administration decided to go for concrete roads because it has a life span of 50 to 100 years and is cheaper and sustainable as the raw materials are locally sourced, among others.
While disclosing that President Tinubu’s administration inherited 2,604 projects, Sen. Umahi assured that the President is determined to complete them but called for the support of the National Assembly in getting special funds for the execution of inherited and new legacy projects.
The Minister also enjoined Nigerians to be patient with the President and continue to pray for his success as he is not relenting in making life better for the citizens.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Barinada Mpigi, represented by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Rufai Sani Hanga acknowledged the initiative of President Bola Tinubu and said the project when completed will revolutionise productivity, commerce, and economic growth of the Nation adding that it is not just infrastructure but an investment that can unlock Nigeria’s potentials.
Also speaking, the Chairman House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, called for a declaration of a State of Emergency on Federal Roads in Niger State due to their deplorable State and also suggested that the Minister of Works should engage an independent consultant to ensure effective and efficient supervision of road projects across the Country.
He equally guaranteed that in the next appropriation, the Committee at the National Assembly will do its best to ensure that it appropriates more funds for the projects.
Similarly, Sen. Sani Mohammed Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, commended Bago’s efforts to transform Niger into a major infrastructure hub to facilitate seamless movement.
He urged the Minister to prioritise critical projects, including the Zungeru bridge, Tegina Brini-Gwari-Kaduna road, and Sarkin-Pawa to Kaduna road, which he said have strategic importance.
Member representing Bida/Katcha/Gbako Federal Constituency commended the Federal government for the initiative which he said aligns with the Urban Renewal Agenda of the Niger State Governor and assured that the legislators will do what is necessary to support the Ministry in project execution.
Also, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, represented by the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Mu’azu Barau II, who applauded the President Tinubu for the road project, urged the Federal government to intervene in rehabilitating federal roads within the state.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, said the project will bring about economic growth and improved connectivity across regions, adding that the agricultural agenda of the farmer Governor needs to be supported by a robust road infrastructure such the 125 km Niger State component of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
The Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, appreciated the Minister for his commitment and passion to work and enjoined him to give more attention to the federal roads in the State.
Various stakeholders who spoke during the town hall meeting on behalf of the communities affected by the Niger State Component of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project, called on the Federal government to ensure that compensations are duly paid to the people while pledging their support to success of the project.
