Tinubu Flags Off N1.83trn Lambata-Bida-Kontagora Road Project in Niger
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commenced the reconstruction and dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State, in a move aimed at improving transportation, boosting agricultural activities and stimulating economic growth.
The project was officially flagged off on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Bida by Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, on behalf of the President.
Speaking at the event, Bago described the project as a significant milestone in the development of Niger State, expressing appreciation to Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development across the country.
He said the road would improve connectivity, ease the movement of people and goods, and enhance economic activities along the corridor.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election, pledging to work towards securing victory for the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels in the state.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the Federal Government had embarked on major infrastructure projects across the country, noting that the administration’s development efforts were visible in different regions.
Umahi explained that the removal of fuel subsidy had created fiscal space for increased investment in infrastructure.
He disclosed that the Tinubu administration had initiated approximately 5,500 kilometres of roads in the North-Central zone, with Niger State accounting for more than 1,000 kilometres.
According to him, the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road project is being financed by the Dangote Group under the Federal Government’s tax-credit financing model.
The minister further explained that the project would adopt continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology to ensure durability and resilience against changing climatic conditions.
He stressed the importance of continuity in infrastructure development, urging support for Tinubu’s re-election to enable the administration to complete ongoing projects nationwide.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, recalled his recent assessment visit to the failed Dikko Junction–Maje Road, which connects to the major highway.
Goronyo commended Tinubu for approving immediate palliative intervention on the seven-kilometre stretch, which he said had subjected motorists and host communities to difficulties for about a decade.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, said the Federal Government remained committed to accelerating infrastructure development and economic recovery.
Representing his colleagues from Niger State in the Federal Executive Council, Idris explained that the administration’s economic reforms were designed to strengthen the economy and support agricultural transformation.
He also emphasised the importance of transparency in implementing government programmes and activities.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the project.
Onyesoh described the initiative as a deliberate policy by the Tinubu administration to expand infrastructure development across the country.
Alabi, on his part, said the highway was a critical transportation corridor connecting the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, adding that its reconstruction would facilitate trade and other economic activities.
Both lawmakers pledged adequate legislative oversight to ensure the project’s effective execution.
Providing details of the project, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, said the 401-kilometre road would begin at Lambata, pass through Bida, Mokwa and Makera, and terminate at Kontagora.
He stated that the N1.83 trillion project would improve security, strengthen access to markets and agricultural communities, and ease the transportation of goods and services.
A representative of the Dangote Group, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to infrastructure development, describing the road project as an investment that would open up communities, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Ahmed assured stakeholders that the project would be executed using CRCP technology and expressed confidence that it would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
He put the group’s investment in road infrastructure development across Nigeria at more than N5 trillion, while also highlighting the establishment of a rice mill in Wushishi and other development initiatives in Niger State.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-Central zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, called for sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, private-sector partners and local communities to ensure successful project delivery.
Similarly, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, thanked Tinubu for approving the project, noting that it would strengthen transportation links, facilitate trade and improve the movement of agricultural produce.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, also expressed appreciation to the President, saying the project would improve transportation and enhance the welfare of communities along the route.
The road project is expected to ease transportation difficulties, improve regional connectivity, create employment opportunities and strengthen commercial activities across Niger State and neighbouring areas.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by federal and state government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, representatives of the Dangote Group, transport unions and other stakeholders.
