From Rashidat AbdulRahman, Minna
Niger State Governor, Umar Muhammad Bago has revealed that his administration will invest One Trillion Naira on infrastructural development in the next two years.
The Governor stated this shortly before declaring open a startup workshop for Minna-Bida road project, co-financed by Islamic Development Bank and Abu Dhabi Development Fund.
Governor bago explained that Niger state government is always ready to partner with development partners, and called on them to make the state a pilot scheme for all their projects, emphasizing that his target is to rebuild the state, as well as seek their support towards improving security, agriculture and education.
Earlier, the Secretary to Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman in his opening remarks said the Bida-Minna road project will improve the socio-economic life of the state, stressing that it is a significant milestone as it will improve effective and efficient management.
Speaking on behalf of the Islamic Development Bank and Abu Dahbi Development Fund, Alagi Basiru Gaye, said that the startup workshop is significant as it is expected to enhance and improve ways for more investment, reducing traveling time, increasing road safety and enhancing businesses, as well as generating employment opportunities.
He explained that 163 Million US Dollars has been earmarked for the project, out of which, the Islamic Development Bank will provide 86.64 Million US Dollars, 44.76 Million from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund and the Niger State Government is to provide 31.6 Million US Dollars.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Alh. Hassan Baba Etsu commended the Governor for his commitment to ensuring the continuation of the Minna-Bida road project as well as prompt payment of counterpart funds to development partners in the state.
Representative from the Ministry of Finance, Dahiru Barde Idris described the Minna-Bida project as significant to both the state and the country and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to work in synergy with all development partners to ensure that the project becomes a reality.
