Again, Niger Govt Closes Minna-Bida Road For Repairs

Some parts of the Minna-Bida road in Niger State have again failed, leaving motorists stranded and forcing the state government to close the road for repair.

Some converts and small bridges between Katerigi and Kakakpangi as well as some around Sabondaga were affected, even as most parts of the road are almost impassable.

The immediate past government in the state had awarded contract for the rehabilitation of the road between 2019 and 2020 at the cost of N25 billion but only five kilometers of the 88-kilometre road was constructed and the contractor abandoned site.

Consequently, efforts were made to seek alternative funding sources but none has yielded fruits thereby worsening the bad state of the road.

Reacting to the latest development, Niger State Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago called on road users to show understanding cooperate with the state government as it has started repair  of the failed section.

The governor in a statement by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, explained that rehabilitation work had become necessary as a step towards avoiding the yearly collapse of multiple cell culverts on the road, especially the during rainy season.

He said six hours of rehabilitation work would commence 12:00pm to 6:00pm on July 18, 2023 and assured the people of his commitment to the  development of the state.

The governor urged commuters to use alternative routes like the Bida-Zungeru-Minna road and Bida-Lapai-Minna road while the rehabilitation work lasts.