The Federal Government has inspected several ongoing and completed federal road projects in Niger, reaffirming commitment meeting the deadline.
The projects included the reconstruction of the Bida–Zungeru–Wushishi Road, being handled by Gerawa, among others.
Speaking after the inspection tour, the Federal Controller of Works, Aluko Eyitayo, said the visit covered key federal roads aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and boosting economic activities in the state and adjoining regions.
According to him, one of the major highlights of the tour was the Gwada–Shiroro Road, where the Ministry inaugurated a reconstructed box culvert that collapsed about three years ago, cutting off movement between Gwada and Shiroro communities.
“That incident caused a serious disconnect between Gwada and Shiroro, but today the box culvert has been successfully reconstructed.
“Travel time has been reduced significantly, and traffic is now flowing freely,” he said
He added that emergency repairs were also carried out on severely damaged sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road, which had previously caused traffic bottlenecks.
“Today, traffic is moving smoothly and the communities are very happy,” he stated.
Eyitayo also expressed satisfaction with the progress road along the Minna-Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora Road among others.
He said, “The total length of that road is 29.5 kilometers.
“The contractor has done satisfactorily well because out of the 29.5 kilometres they have done, they have accomplished about 16 kilometres asphalting by that course.
“The quality of work is satisfactory. We also have the Minna, Zungeru, Tegina, Kotangora. This road is a vital link between the north-central and the North-West.
“It links the n
North-central to the n
North-west through Kerbin. The road is divided into two phases.”
Residents and commuters along the inspected corridors expressed satisfaction with the renewed momentum on the projects,.
They described the interventions as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and easing transportation under the Renewed Hope Administration.
The traditional leader of the community, Alhassan Zarumi, thanked the Federal Government, engineers, and contractors for the intervention, describing the road as a former “death trap.”
He said, “This road is very important because it links the National Grid at Shiroro Power Station. Without this repair, movement would have been impossible.
“We are satisfied with the work, and we thank the Federal Government for ensuring free movement of people from Minna to Shiroro.”
Also speaking, Dr Bala Saliu, Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Niger chapter, said the project has already delivered visible social and economic benefits to the community.
He said, “As remote as this area is, the impact of this intervention cannot be overemphasised.
“The community is happy, and the benefits include economic and social welfare while commending the Federal Government for timely intervention in critical locations.”
Representing the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Minna Branch, Abubakar Kawu, described the project as strategic, saying that the road leads to Shiroro Dam, a major hydroelectric power facility in Niger.
He added, “This intervention will reduce accidents and increase economic activities. It will also positively affect the power sector, considering the importance of Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station,.”
Kawu said that Engineers had assessed the project and found it to be compliant with the extant professional and engineering standards.
