We are grappling with over 70 per cent infrastructural deficit – Niger Govt laments

The Niger State Government has lamented that it is currently struggling with an infrastructural deficit exceeding 70 per cent with its road network standing at the core of the challenge in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, who made this known in Minna, said for the State to achieve sustainable economic growth, developing the infrastructural sector, especially a good road network, is key to achieving the goal.

He explained that in view of this, the state government recently signed a contract agreement with a private consulting firm to provide consulting services for the construction of 556km of roads across the 25 LGs of the state.

According to him, a total of 24 roads with a collective distance of 556 km have been identified as aimed at addressing some of the infrastructural deficit within the State.

They include the 100km Minna township road, 50km each in Bida Suleja and Kontagora towns, 5km in each of the 17 Local Government areas, Rafi, Agwara – Borgu 90km, Rijau – Kontagora 90km and dualization of Kakaki to Minna 41km respectively.

Advertisement

Usman revealed that the road construction will promote agriculture, trade, industry, and commerce among the populace and help the state achieve higher economic growth, adding,” the establishment of efficient road infrastructure will also create a cost-effective and secure movement of goods, bolstering both the safety and well-being of road users”.

The SSG disclosed that due process has been followed on the project, which will be on a performance-based contract and expected to be funded by a consortium of banks, while the loans are to be repaid through increased Internal Generation Revenue (IGR), improved Federal allocation owing to the removal of fuel subsidy and major roads that can be tolled.

He further stated, “The exercise will be concluded on the 5th of September, giving way for the groundbreaking scheduled to commence by November, 2023 and project completion by December 2025.”