Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said the state will generate N1 trillion after the bypass linking Pago and Garatu in Minna, the state capital, is completed.
He also said the infrastructural development works in Suleja alone will fetch the state N500 billion, while those in Bida and Kontagora will generate N400 billion, respectively.
The governor stated this Thursday during the signing of a contract agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) and Arab Construction Company for the construction and rehabilitation of Minna township roads and Bida Ring roads at Government House, Minna.
The contract agreement will have the CCECC handle the roads in Minna with a completion period of 24 months, while Arab Construction Company will handle the construction of the Ring Road in Bida within 30 months, costing the state N88b.
The governor explained that the Pago to Garatu bypass in Minna will open up 100,000 hectares of land, which, when commercialised and sold, will generate the needed funds that will be plucked back for other developmental projects.
He said the same thing will be applied to Bida, Suleja, and Kontagora, where the infrastructural development will trigger massive commercial activities and investments that will fetch the state money. He said the road contracts were in line with his urban renewal programme.
The governor also announced that the Suleja and Kontagora contracts will be signed in the next 30 days under the second phase of the projects.
While assuring the contractors of security, the governor warned the contractors that he would not condone variation as funds have already been earmarked for the projects with a 25 percent advance payment guaranteed. He also directed that contractors should work with indigenous people, especially youths, adding that a job register will be opened for those interested in being part of the projects.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Hassan Baba Etsu, described the projects as unprecedented in the history of Niger State and said that the contractors were carefully selected through a transparent process.
He said the reconstruction of Minna Township roads will consist of six lanes with overhead bridges.
He said the Bida Ring roads will connect Chekungi and Mokwa roads to ease traffic congestion.
The Managing Director of CCECC, David Wang, and that of Arab Contractors, Mohammed Eledaruis, assured the government of the timely completion of the projects. They said their companies have mobilised men and materials, promising quality work.
The project consultant, Olatunji Ajayi, while commending the state government for the stride, which he said will have a multiplier effect on the economy of the state, assured that he will ensure quality projects are delivered.
The Commissioner for Works, Suleiman Umar, signed on behalf of the state government, while David Wang and Mohammed Eledaruis signed for their respective firms.
The Minna and Bida ring road contracts are expected to create direct job opportunities for 2,500 people, while 12,000 people will have indirect jobs.