By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Controller of Works in Niger State, Mr. Aluko Eyitayo, says the ongoing Bida-Zungeru road in Niger state will be ready before president Bola TInubu’s third year anniversary in office
Eyitayo made the statement after inspecting the road with others over the weekend, commending the contractor for the steady progress.
The controller said the 29.5 kilometre road was awarded to Messrs Gerawa Global Engineering Limited at the cost of N66,909, 259,265 in April, 2024, with May, 2026 completion date.
He also said the phase One of the Minna–Tegina road, being executed by Messrs HMF Nigeria Limited, has recorded about 38 kilometres of asphalt laying out of its 94-kilometre length.
Eyitayo blamed the slow pace of work on kidnappings and banditry in the axis, but said more efforts are being put in place to hasten the work.
He said the route is key to economic activities because it connects part of the North Central to North-west zones.
“The contractor is on site, but due to the high level of kidnappings and banditry around that area, the project is slow.
“But through the concerted efforts of the Niger State government and security agencies, the contractors have moved back to the site, and the work is ongoing,” Eyitayo said.
He said the road, with a total length of about 95 kilometres, has recorded about 18 kilometres of asphalt
Earlier, the controller with other senior officers commissioned a especial intervention project to address flood-related washouts at Gwada in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state, that collapsed box culvert that disconnected communities for about three years.
