Despite Insecurity, Road Projects Progressing In Niger, Says FG

The Federal Controller of Works in Niger State, Engr. Aluko Eyitayo, has disclosed that the concerted efforts of the Federal Government, the Niger State Government, and security agencies have encouraged contractors handling major federal road projects in the state to return to their sites.

Eyitayo, who addressed journalists on a tour of Federal road projects in the state on Saturday morning, admitted that insecurity, including banditry and violent attacks had earlier slowed down major road projects in the state.

He said insecurity had forced contractors to suspend work for months on some critical corridors.

The controller, however, stated that efforts of the governments and security operatives have restored confidence in the contractors who have now moved back to their respective sites.

He explained that the Tegina–Kontagora section of the Minna–Zungeru–Tejina–Kontagora road, a key route linking the north-central and north-west zones, suffered major delays due to persistent security threats.

“The contractor is on site, but due to the high level of insecurity around that area, that’s really really slowed down the progress of work.

“But through the concerted efforts of the government, the executive of Niger State 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 laidince work resumed.

On the Bida–Zungeru–Wushishi Road, being handled by Gerawa Nigeria Limited, Eyitayo said about 16 kilometres of the 29.5-kilometre road has been asphalted, while work is ongoing with satisfactory quality.

He said 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 also stated that the Suleja–Minna Road project, earlier stalled due to poor performance by contractors, has been terminated and is being re-awarded, with construction expected to resume soon.

He expressed optimism that improved security and sustained government intervention would accelerate progress on the projects and restore vital transport links in the region.

During the inspection tour, a special intervention project to address flood-related washouts along Gwada–Shiroro Road, where a collapsed box culvert that disconnected communities for about three years has been reconstructed, was commissioned.

Speaking, the leader of the benefiting community,
Alhassan Zarumi described the road’s previous condition as a dead trap and warned that continued neglect could have completely cut off access to the area.

“If this place were not repaired, I wonder if we would still be passing here. Now people can move freely again,” he said.

Other professional bodies, including representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and COREN, commended the intervention, noting that it has eased movement and eliminated accidents around the road corridor.