FG Begins N1.83trn Dualisation of 401km Road in Niger, Dangote to Finance Project
The Federal Government has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State, with the N1.83 trillion project expected to improve transportation, expand economic opportunities and boost agricultural development.
Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, performed the flag-off on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Bida on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The project, which is being financed by the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s tax-credit financing model, is expected to strengthen connectivity between communities, improve access to markets and facilitate the movement of goods across the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bago described the project as a major milestone in the state’s development, commending Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure expansion.
The governor said the road would serve as a vital economic corridor, improving the movement of people and goods while creating opportunities for businesses and agricultural producers.
He also pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election, expressing his determination to work towards securing victory for the President and the APC in Niger State.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the Federal Government was implementing several infrastructure projects nationwide as part of its development agenda.
According to him, the removal of fuel subsidy had provided the government with additional fiscal space to invest in critical infrastructure.
Umahi disclosed that approximately 5,500 kilometres of roads had been initiated across the North-Central zone under the Tinubu administration, with Niger State accounting for more than 1,000 kilometres.
He said the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road would be constructed using continuously reinforced concrete pavement technology, which he described as a durable solution designed to withstand climatic challenges.
The minister added that sustained support for the administration would help ensure the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, highlighted the Federal Government’s intervention on the failed Dikko Junction–Maje Road, a seven-kilometre stretch linked to the major highway.
Goronyo said Tinubu had approved immediate palliative works following an assessment visit, addressing a problem that had affected motorists and host communities for about 10 years.
He expressed satisfaction that action had been taken to ease the difficulties experienced by road users along the corridor.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, said the Federal Government remained committed to infrastructure development, economic recovery and agricultural transformation.
He explained that the administration’s economic reforms were intended to strengthen the country’s economy while creating the conditions for sustainable growth.
Idris also called for transparency in the implementation of government policies and programmes.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, described the road project as evidence of the Federal Government’s deliberate efforts to expand infrastructure across the country.
He said the initiative reflected the administration’s determination to provide critical infrastructure for Nigerians.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, described the road as an important transportation link between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
Alabi said the reconstruction would improve the movement of goods, facilitate commercial activities and strengthen economic connections between communities.
Both lawmakers pledged to provide adequate oversight to ensure that the project was properly executed.
Giving an overview of the project, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, said the road would run from Lambata through Bida, Mokwa and Makera before terminating at Kontagora.
He explained that the project was designed to improve security, ease transportation and enhance access to markets, agricultural areas and essential services.
Representing the Dangote Group, Engr. Mansur Ahmed said the company remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
Ahmed noted that the project would open up communities, generate employment, stimulate commercial activities and expand economic opportunities along the route.
He assured stakeholders that the company would use CRCP technology and expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.
The Dangote Group representative further disclosed that the company’s investment in road infrastructure development across Nigeria exceeded N5 trillion.
He also referenced the establishment of a rice mill in Wushishi, Niger State, alongside other development initiatives.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, called for stronger cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, private investors and host communities to ensure the successful delivery of infrastructure projects.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, expressed appreciation to Tinubu for approving the road project and acknowledged the Dangote Group’s role in its financing.
He said the project would strengthen the state’s economic position by improving transportation links, supporting agricultural production and facilitating trade with neighbouring areas.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, also commended the President, expressing optimism that the project would improve transportation and the welfare of communities along the road.
When completed, the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road is expected to ease travel, improve access to markets, create jobs and support agricultural and commercial activities across Niger State and adjoining areas.
The flag-off ceremony attracted federal and state government officials, members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, representatives of the Dangote Group, transport unions and other stakeholders.
