The Federal Government has inaugurated work on the 401-kilometer Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora highway in Niger State, a reconstruction and dualisation scheme valued at ₦1.83 trillion and financed by Dangote Group through a federal tax-credit arrangement.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago performed the flag-off in Bida on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. The government says the corridor will improve access between farming communities, markets and commercial centers, while easing the movement of passengers and freight.
Works Minister David Umahi said the administration was undertaking approximately 5,500 kilometers of road projects across the North-Central region, including more than 1,000 kilometers in Niger State. He attributed the government’s infrastructure spending capacity partly to the removal of the petrol subsidy.
According to Umahi, the highway will use continuously reinforced concrete pavement, which the ministry expects to provide greater durability under demanding traffic and weather conditions. The minister argued that completing major projects required continuity in government and publicly backed Tinubu’s re-election.
Bago also pledged political support for the president and the All Progressives Congress, describing the road as a critical economic connection for the state. Those campaign-related statements were made during an official infrastructure event.
Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo said emergency repairs had been approved for the Dikko Junction–Maje road, a seven-kilometer section where deterioration had disrupted travel for years. Other speakers, including Information Minister Mohammed Idris and National Assembly committee leaders, highlighted potential benefits for agriculture, logistics and local commerce.
The ministry’s Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, David Yiltong, said the project would connect numerous settlements and economic centers. House Committee on Works Chairman Akin Alabi pledged legislative oversight of implementation.
Representing Dangote Group, Mansur Ahmed said the company had committed more than ₦5 trillion to road infrastructure across Nigeria. He also referenced the group’s proposed rice-milling investment in Wushishi, Niger State.
Traditional rulers and community representatives welcomed the project, while the central questions now concern delivery timelines, quality assurance, cost control and whether the promised improvements reach the communities along the route.
