President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate reconstruction of three federal roads in Niger State.
A statement signed on Thursday by Francis Nwaze, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, listed the roads as Mokwa–Bida Road (120km), Mokwa–Makera Road (63km), and Bida–Lambata Road (123.5km), totalling 306.5 kilometres.
According to Nwaze, the roads will be reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability and long-term value.
He also disclosed that the President approved the extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road to connect with the East–West Road.
“The project will be executed as a dual carriageway, constructed with concrete pavement and equipped with solar-powered street lighting. It will be delivered through a competitive bidding process.
“The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, CON, has expressed deep appreciation to Mr President for these strategic approvals, noting that the projects fall within critical national economic corridors and will significantly enhance connectivity, trade, and development.
“He called on Nigerians to acknowledge and appreciate the administration’s sustained commitment to infrastructure development across the six geopolitical zones, particularly in the delivery of quality roads and bridges nationwide.
“The minister congratulated the governors and people of Niger and Rivers states, as well as all Nigerians who stand to benefit from these landmark approvals.
“He urged Nigerians to continue to support, encourage, and pray for Mr President as the administration remains focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people,” Nwaze stated.
It was earlier reported that road infrastructure development has remained a central pillar of the Renewed Hope agenda of Tinubu, with the Federal Government prioritising the rehabilitation and reconstruction of key economic corridors across the country.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu’s administration has emphasised the use of reinforced concrete pavement technology for major federal highways, a policy championed by Umahi.
The ministry has argued that concrete roads offer greater durability, lower long-term maintenance costs, and better resilience against heavy-duty traffic compared to traditional asphalt surfaces.
Niger State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s road network, serving as a transit hub linking the North-Central region to the North-West and parts of the South-West.
The Mokwa–Bida corridor, in particular, connects agricultural and commercial communities and feeds into major trade routes moving goods toward Lagos and other southern markets. Poor road conditions along these routes have, over the years, raised concerns among transporters and residents over safety, travel time, and economic losses.
Similarly, the Bida–Lambata axis links to the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene corridor, an important artery for vehicular movement between the Federal Capital Territory and the southern parts of the country. Infrastructure upgrades along these routes are considered critical for improving regional mobility and economic integration.
The approval of the extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State to connect with the East–West Road is also significant.
