By John Alechenu
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the timely delivery of ongoing Federal road and bridge projects in Niger State.
Umahi stated this during a high-level meeting with the Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, in Abuja, yesterday.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed.
The Minister commended Governor Bago for his partnership with the federal government in addressing the infrastructural challenges in Niger State.
According to him, many of the state government’s interventions are on Federal road corridors that directly benefit the citizens.
Engr. Umahi acknowledged the numerous challenges associated with Federal roads in the State, stressing that road infrastructure development is a shared responsibility, irrespective of jurisdiction.
He praised the significant interventions in areas such as: Bida, Minna, and Suleja, describing them as impactful urban renewal efforts that have enhanced mobility and boosted economic activities.
The statement read in part: “The Minister assured the Governor of the Federal Government’s strong support, particularly on key projects including the Minna–Suleja Road (71km), which has received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and is awaiting consideration by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has personally directed that the project be prioritised and assured that any advance intervention funds expended by the Niger State Government would be refunded.
“On the Jebba and Lambata Bridges, the Minister informed his August visitor that integrity tests and work on the expansion joints are ongoing.”
“Engr. Umahi stressed the need to curb indiscriminate parking, trading activities, and traffic congestion on bridges, which accelerate their structural deterioration.”
The minister said, “Bridges are not designed to carry static loads but built for the dynamic flow of traffic,” he advised.”
He announced plans to engage key stakeholders, including transport unions and tanker drivers, to safeguard national assets and extend the lifespan of bridges.
The Minister further disclosed that all ongoing NNPC-funded road projects, nationwide, have now been approved for takeover by the Ministry, in line with Mr. President’s directive.
He explained that funding templates are currently being finalised to ensure the seamless continuation of works on such projects.
Umahi equally directed officials of the Ministry to provide comprehensive status reports on all Federal road projects in the state to enable prompt interventions, where required.
Earlier, Governor Bago expressed appreciation to the Minister and his team for their responsiveness and collaborative approach.
He highlighted the strategic importance of Niger State as Nigeria’s central corridor linking the North and South, with over 100,000 trucks traversing major routes in the State daily.
The Governor raised concerns about severe traffic congestion, infrastructure deterioration, and security challenges along critical corridors, including Jebba–Lambata–Minna–Suleja.
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