Niger Govt To Spend N1trn On Infrastructure

Niger State government is set to invest N1trillion in infrastructural development of the state in the next two years.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this when he declared open a startup workshop on the Minna-Bida road project co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Abu Dhabi  Fund for Development (ADFD), at the Government House, Minna.

 The governor who described Niger State as a gateway, connecting the Northern and Southern parts of the country, maintained that developing the state’s infrastructure will be of immense benefit to the state and the country as a whole. 

 He appreciated the IsDB and ADFD for agreeing to co-finance the Minna-Bida road project.

 Governor Umaru Bago highlighted the huge potential in the state ranging from its size; to the presence of four hydro dams; and eight national and international borders among others which he said are selling points that would attract investors into the state.

He however expressed concern that despite all the potentials, the state is bedevilled by insecurity and infrastructural deficits.

The governor therefore called on development partners to support the state in the areas of security, health, education, and agriculture so that the state can attain an enviable height of development adding that counterpart funds are available.

He also directed his commissioner for communication technology and digital economy, Suleiman Isah to engage telecommunication companies on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which would improve online education in the state.

The team leader, Alagi Basiru Gaye disclosed that $163 million has been earmarked for the project out of which the Islamic Development Bank will provide $86.64 million, $44.76million from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund while the Niger State government is to provide $31.6million.

While acknowledging the efforts of the state government towards the success of the project, Basiru Gaye explained that the startup workshop is important for the effective implementation of the project and enhances the capacities of executing agencies and project management units among others.