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Olabode Adaramola
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has urged the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to revoke the contract awarded to Salini Nigeria Ltd for the Minna-Suleja road project, citing the company’s lack of capacity.
Umaru Bago made the call during a town hall/ stakeholders engagement on the construction of the 125km Niger State component of the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
Instead, the Governor, recommended HiTech and CCEC, contractors who successfully handled the Abuja-Kaduna road project, demonstrating proven capabilities in delivering quality work.
The Governor assured the minister of the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the need for reliable contractors to ensure timely completion of projects.
Umaru Bago also unveiled plans to establish a cement factory in Niger State, leveraging the state’s abundant raw materials.
Senator David Umahi, in his address, announced decisive actions against contractors handling ongoing road projects in Niger State, inviting them to a crucial meeting scheduled for Friday.
Umahi expressed disappointment with the Minna-Suleja road’s current state, describing it as “very discouraging.
According to him, despite claims of 86percent completion, the company has collected federal funds for over 14 years without executing the project.
He said the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway promises transformative economic benefits, boasting 68 dams, factories, and irrigation systems.
The minister said President Tinubu’s administration prioritizes investment over legacy, aiming to stimulate growth across multiple sectors.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar urged the Federal Government to intervene in rehabilitating federal roads within the state.
Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District in the National Assembly Abuja, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa pledged to secure funding for federal road projects, including the Zungeru bridge and Tegina Brini-Gwari-Kaduna road.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on Niger’s dilapidated roads.
The Niger State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon.Abdulmalik Muhammed Sarkindaji, commended Governor Bago’s determination to transform the state infrastructure.
