Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has disclosed that his administration has resolved all setbacks hindering the completion of the Minna-Bida road project.
The governor made the disclosure when he met with officials of the Islamic Development Bank and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, co-financiers of the Minna-Bida Road project, at their offices in Abuja.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, the governor said approval of N3.5 billion has been obtained to be paid as compensation to those affected by the roads project, adding that a committee has been constituted in that regard.
He requested the Islamic Development Bank to fast-track the ongoing processes to enable a ground-breaking ceremony for the project in November this year.
Governor Umaru Bago admitted that upgrading roads in the State will significantly address the infrastructural deficit, pointing out that the state government has identified 28 roads spanning a collective distance of 803 km that will be reconstructed.
While seeking more collaboration with the development partners in the area of Agriculture to ensure food security, the governor appreciated the Islamic Development Bank for its cooperation and willingness to support the state.
The Country Operations Manager, Regional Hub of Abuja, Mamadou Alpha Bah, identified motivation as a key factor that will play out in achieving the set objectives and assured that the Islamic Development Bank will continue to partner the state government in other key areas of development.
He appreciated the Niger State government's commitment to meeting the needs of its citizens.
The Operations Lead Manager for the Minna-Bida road project, Alagi Basiru Gaye, assured Nigerites that the project would be completed at the stipulated time and would not compromise quality.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has called for the deployment of more Air Force assets in the fight against bandits and criminal elements in the state.
The governor made the call when he paid a visit to the Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He said the deployment of Air Force personnel and fighter jets would help in having a more rapid response to any security threat.
Governor Umaru Bago also described the helicopter crash in the Shiroro local government area of the state as unfortunate and sympathised with the air chief.
He appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force in containing the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the state.
He assured the Nigerian Air Force of the state government's commitment to provide all the needed support, including accommodation and other facilities for personnel.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, thanked the governor for the visit and reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force will remain undaunted even in the face of challenges to deal with banditry and insurgency that have plagued the Northern Region.
Air Marshal Bala Abubakar also identified the government's approach as key to addressing the security challenges and called on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces through information sharing.
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