FG Begins ₦1.5tn Niger Highway Project as Umahi Calls for Tinubu’s Re-election

The Federal Government has launched the reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata-Bida-Mokwa-Makera-Kontagora highway in Niger State, with the project valued at ₦1.5 trillion.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in Bida, with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago representing President Bola Tinubu. Minister of Works David Umahi used the occasion to urge Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that another four-year term would allow the President to complete ongoing road projects nationwide.

Umahi said the Federal Government was executing about 5,500 kilometres of new and ongoing road projects across Nigeria, with Niger State accounting for 1,055 kilometres.

He described the highway as a potential fifth legacy road project of the Tinubu administration, citing its length, the planned use of reinforced concrete pavement and the involvement of the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme.

The minister also disclosed that 162 kilometres of roads and 115 metres of bridges had been completed in the North-Central region. He commended Bago for constructing more than 300 kilometres of roads, alongside over five flyovers and an underpass in Niger State.

Umahi attributed the administration’s infrastructure spending to its economic reforms, saying the policies had created opportunities for governments to invest in major projects. He added that the highway would improve transport links within Niger State and between the North-Central region and other parts of the country.

Bago described the road as a major intervention in a strategic transportation corridor linking communities and supporting the movement of people and goods. He thanked Tinubu for approving the project and pledged that Niger State would deliver the highest number of votes nationwide for the President in the 2027 election.

The governor also called for peaceful political engagement, arguing that Tinubu should be allowed to complete a second term before power returned to the North.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris also praised the project, saying it reflected the administration’s infrastructure agenda and economic reforms. Niger State Secretary to the Government Abubakar Usman said the road would strengthen commerce, improve transportation and stimulate economic activity in local communities.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, welcomed the project on behalf of traditional institutions and pledged support for its successful completion.

Representing the Dangote Group, the President’s Special Adviser and the group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mansir Ahmed, said the company was participating through the Federal Government’s infrastructure tax-credit scheme. He described the highway as an important economic corridor and said construction would begin at four locations to accelerate delivery.

Ahmed said the road would use concrete pavement rather than conventional asphalt. He added that the project was expected to improve the movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods and industrial materials while creating employment opportunities for young people.

Other officials who highlighted the expected benefits included Senate Committee on Works Chairman Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, House of Representatives Committee on Works Chairman Akin Alabi and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-Central, Abiodun Essiet.

The highway project is expected to improve connectivity across Niger State and support regional trade. Its eventual impact will depend on construction progress, delivery timelines and the completion of the planned works.