Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said that with the ongoing infrastructural development, the state is targeting N5 trillion in GDP in the next one year.
The governor disclosed this at the groundbreaking of the 82-km Minna-Bida dual carriageway, co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and the Niger State government at Kakakpangi community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
He noted that the project was of paramount economic importance to the state, expressing optimism that the road would create avenues for greater prosperity for the people.
He said the project would create about 3 million direct and indirect jobs for youth and women, as he has directed the contractors to patronise the services of local vendors.
While describing the event as historic and the fulfilment of his promises to the people, the farmer governor said there would be streetlights, interchanges, and an underpass at both ends of the dual carriageway.
The governor warned against compromising standards and quality, adding that schools, hospitals, and markets would be constructed by the contractors as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
He appreciated the president for granting a tax credit scheme leading to the full financing of the reconstruction of the Minna-Kontagora, Bida-Zungeru, Lapai-Mokwa, and Minna-Suleja road projects.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, commended Governor Bago for showing the way not only in agriculture but in infrastructural development and pledged to continue to support the state.
Also speaking, the Lead Consultant, Engr. Musa Nimrod explained that the road project was designed to meet global best practices, and it was divided into three lots, adding that Dantata and Sawoe will handle lot one which is 0-km15, Triacta Nigeria Ltd will execute lot two which is from km15 to km55 (40 km), while Arab Contractors will carry out lot three from km55 to km82 (27 km).
Dignitaries who attended the ceremony include the All Progressives Congress (APC), the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Assembly members from the state, other political office holders, traditional leaders, and party chieftains.