Niger Lauds ADFD Over $45M Minna-Bida Road Dualisation

Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has commended the Abu Dhabi Fund Development (ADFD) for signing an agreement with the Nigerian government to support the reconstruction of Minna-Bida Road.

In a statement, Governor Bello described the development as a “cheering news” adding that the support will in no small measure complement the state government’s efforts in the reconstruction work.

The governor observed that the road is a gateway, connecting the north and the southern part, hence, completing the project would definitely engender development and ensure free flow of vehicular movements.

He also appreciated the federal government for demonstrating confidence in the multiplier effect of completing the dualisation of the Minna-Bida Road by ensuring the signing of the agreement.

Recall that recently, Abu Dhabi Fund Development (ADFD) signed a financing agreement with the Nigerian government to co-finance the Minna-Bida Road at the cost of US$45 million.

The minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed signed on behalf of the Nigerian government while the director-general, Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, signed for the ADFD virtually in Abuja and Doha respectively.

While the Niger State government is carrying out 15km (Kpakungu to Garatu) of the project at the cost of over N17 billion, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), which had earlier signed similar agreement, is supporting the project by executing 40km from Garatu to Kakapkangi at the cost of US$86.64m.

The agreement with ADFD will ensure the completion of the (27km) project from Kakapkangi to Bida at the cost of US$44.76m.

The construction of the road, which will be a dual carriage, will also include  markets, schools, toll gate and weigh bridge, among others, at the total cost of US$163 million.