Mixed Reactions Trail Plan To Build Another Niger Govt House Behind Zuma Rock

Mixed reactions have trailed the proposed construction of a new Government House by Niger State government behind Zuma Rock in Suleja.

LEADERSHIP reports that the Ministry of Lands and Survey has inspected the site of the project as part of efforts to advance planned urban development under the Greater Suleja Plan with another Government House.

The commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Bello Ahmad Agwara, explained that the proposed new Government House in the area was aimed at improving government operations, enhancing accessibility, and bringing administrative activities closer to the people, particularly within the rapidly developing areas around Suleja and its environs.

He explained that the development was within the framework of the Greater Suleja Plan, which covers Suleja, Gurara and other surrounding communities, with the objective of creating a well-structured and modern urban environment

The commissioner emphasised that in the event of delays or congestion on the Zuba–Kaduna–Abuja corridor, motorists will have the option of using the route to access Abuja more easily, thereby enhancing transportation, trade and economic activities in the state

Ahmad said the team carried out a comprehensive assessment of the site, including the collection of geographical coordinates to determine the boundaries and support proper demarcation, documentation and protection of the allocated land.

On the plan, the surveyor-general of Niger State, Dr Idris Aliyu Auna, explained that the location of the project was because the area shared boundaries with two neighbouring states and would be easily accessible from the FCT

According to him, “a Government House in the area would allow the governor to hold official meetings and carry out government activities within his jurisdiction without always travelling to Abuja”.

Also in a swift reaction , a politician and publisher Yahaya Mohammed Usman said locating a Government House just 100 kilometres away from Minna could not be rationally justified.

“What is the use of even contemplating building a New Government House behind Zuma Rock?” he questioned , while recalling that a well designed three arm with a New Government House in Minna on the Eastern Flank of the town, should have been completed.