The people of Kontagora Emirate in Niger State have said that the 118-kilometre road, comprising three road projects, will help to end incessant terrorist attacks, and open the area for more economic activities.
They expressed this during the groundbreaking for the construction of the road projects as part of the present administration’s urban renewal policy.
The people of Kontagora Emirate are predominantly farmers, playing host to six local government areas.
Due to the large expanse of arable land and the economic viability of the area, it is prone to terrorist attacks.
The Emirate came alive when the urban renewal train performed a groundbreaking for the construction of a 118-kilometre road, comprising three road projects.
The road projects include the reconstruction of the 90km Kontagora-Rijau Road, the construction of the 19.4 km Kontagora Western Bypass Ring Road and the 8.7 km Kontagora Eastern Bypass Ring – road.
The Emir of Kontagora, Muhammad Mu’azu, said the road projects would facilitate growth and development within the local governments under the Kontagora Emirate, and improve the supply chain, as well as domestic needs.
The Commissioner for Works, Suleiman Umar, disclosed that the road project forms part of Governor Umar Bago’s plan to make Niger State, one of the most economically viable states in Nigeria, and by extension, reduce the hardship faced by commuters.
Performing the groundbreaking, Governor Umar Bago, said that though, some of the roads are for the Federal Government, he described Kontagora Local Government Area as central in the Niger North Senatorial District and a centre of commerce, pointing out that good road infrastructure would improve the movement of goods to other places.
He disclosed that the contractors for the projects were carefully selected, based on their track records, and would be closely monitored to ensure they deliver standard projects.
According to the lead consultant for the projects, Olatunji Ajayi, the delivery dates are 24 and 18 months.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
