By Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo
Since 1999, Niger State has been governed by three different leaders, each of whom contributed in various ways to the development of the state ranging from the construction of urban and rural roads, to rural electrification, agricultural development, and investment in human capital.
It is the hope of Niger State residents that each successive administration performs better than the last. That is how true development is achieved, through progress and improvement with each new leader. As the world continues to evolve, so do innovations and expectations in governance. As Professor Patrick Lumumba once said, “You are not successful until your successor succeeds.” That, to me, is how to measure true development.
Governor Umaru Bago has, without a doubt, raised the standard of governance in ways, many including myself did not imagine possible. The rapid pace of infrastructural development currently going on in the state.
Governor Bago is presently constructing over 1,000km of roads across Niger State, including more than 400km that are Federal Government. Roads. Even in states where governors have received reimbursements for federal road projects, such scale has rarely been seen.
Today, every local government area is witnessing infrastructural improvements, with at least 5 kilometers of road construction ongoing in each, an achievement that is first in the history of the state.
While many have expressed concerns about the timely completion of these projects, a concern that is both valid and understandable, the Governor has already defied expectations. In less than two years, some of these roads have been completed. For instance, the 5km Munya road is fully constructed and awaiting commissioning, while the Mokwa and Lapai projects are nearing completion, with only a few sections left.
Another gigantic project is the construction of three overhead bridges and one underpass, as well as the expansion of major roads in Minna from four to six lanes. In addition, the state government has taken over the 41km Chanchaga–Jazu Village Raod, where the new city gate will be located. This road is currently undergoing expansion and dualization.
Anyone familiar with the 90km Kontagora–Rijau Road would agree that it has long been one of the worst in the state, if not the country. Despite being a federal road awarded more than two decades ago, the FG neglected it until Governor Bago’s administration took it over. The road is now under reconstruction, and even in its ongoing state, travel time has already been significantly reduced.
The 93km Rofia–Agwara Road, another previously deplorable road, is also being rebuilt under the Governor’s leadership.
The famous Minna–Bida Road, first initiated under the Talban Minna administration through a bond from the Islamic Development Bank, was continued by the government of Abubakar Sani Bello. Today, Governor Bago is dualizing the road, and travel time has already been reduced by nearly 50%.
In Bida, a major road construction is the construction of a brand-new 44km ring road, a project initiated by Governor Bago which is expected to ease traffic congestion and turn the town into a modern city, complete with contemporary infrastructure and urban planning.
Suleja is another beneficiary of this wave of development, with the road between Kamba and Kaduna Junction currently being expanded.
In addition to the more than 450 kilometers of roads being built across Kontagora, Minna, Bida, and Suleja, every other local government area in Niger State is witnessing the construction of at least 5km of road. This development is truly unprecedented and deserves commendation.
To also provide some clarity to those who are asking why no road has been completed yet, here is the list of roads started and completed by Governor Umaru Bago
1. Gado Nasko Street – Zarumai Estate
2. Type B Quarters
Abu Kuta Street, Jos Street, Daura Street, Kazaure Street, Ilorin Street, Zaria Street, Suleja Street
London Street
4. Bosso Low-Cost Housing Area
AB Gaming Road, Spring Drive, Dutse Avenue, MTP 90 Blue and Red Street, Etsu Yusuf Yahaya Road, Gaming Link, Dije Bala Street, Goodie Special Road A & B, Dahiru, Bauchi Road
5. F-Layout
Alhaji Dantani Street, Nmakolo / Abubakar Ibrahim Street
6. Airport Quarters
Jiya Vatsa Road, Col. Sani Bello Road
7. Kutiriko Area
All roads within the Kutiriko area, Opposite Kure Market – Fadikpe Road, Fadikpe Yapping
8.Government Reserved Area (GRA)
Office of the Special Advisers Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Aliyu Makama Road, Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road, Dr. Mustapha Abdulsalam Road, James Gara / Deputy Governor’s Road, Standard Hospital Road, National Prison Road
For those wondering about progress in other sectors, such as health, education, and agriculture, we will be highlighting Governor Bago’s achievements in each of these areas.
