Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has flagged off the reconstruction of the 5.43-kilometre Kontagora Township Dual Carriageway, a major road project aimed at improving transportation and boosting economic activities in the state.
The dual carriageway stretches from Barrack Junction to Makera Junction along Yauri Road in Kontagora.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Bago described the project as another milestone in his administration’s urban renewal agenda, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to building a “New Niger” through the provision of critical infrastructure.
He said Kontagora occupies a strategic position in the economic and social landscape of Niger State as a major commercial and agricultural hub in the Niger North Senatorial District, as well as a gateway linking several communities.
According to the governor, the reconstruction of the road will unlock greater economic opportunities for businesses, farmers, transporters and residents by improving connectivity and easing the movement of people and goods.
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Governor Bago noted that although the road has long supported commercial activities in the area, years of increased traffic, inadequate drainage and ageing infrastructure had left it in a poor condition, making its reconstruction necessary.
He added that the project complements other ongoing infrastructure developments in Kontagora, including the 8.7-kilometre expansion of the Kontagora Bypass, which he said is about 85 per cent completed, and the 19.4-kilometre Kontagora Western Bypass, where land acquisition has been completed and construction is progressing.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure capable of attracting investments, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and improving the living standards of residents.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, said the project would enhance mobility, improve road safety, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of residents. He urged members of the community to cooperate with the contractors to ensure the timely completion of the project.
In separate goodwill messages, the member representing Kontagora/Mariga/Wushishi/Mashegu Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Garba; the APC North-Central Zonal Vice Chairman, Mu’azu Bawa-Rijau; and the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, commended the governor for extending infrastructural development to the area.
They said the reconstruction would ease transportation challenges, improve access and promote economic activities across the region.
Similarly, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Aminu Bobi, and the Chairman of Kontagora Local Government Council, Lawal Yusuf, thanked the governor for responding to the long-standing infrastructure needs of the people, noting that the deteriorating condition of the road had affected motorists, traders and residents for years.
The project’s lead consultant, Aliyu Abdulrauf, said the reconstruction would feature a modern dual carriageway with pedestrian walkways, drainage systems and other supporting infrastructure designed to enhance durability and improve the safety of road users.
Also speaking, the contractor, Li Xiaowen, assured the state government of the company’s commitment to delivering a quality project within the stipulated timeframe through close collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The reconstruction of the 5.43-kilometre dual carriageway is expected to improve transportation, facilitate trade and accelerate socio-economic development in Kontagora and neighbouring communities.
