The Niger State government has signed an agreement with two firms for the construction of the Bida ring road and rehabilitation of Minna township roads as the government targets to generate N1.2 trillion after the construction.
The China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) will handle the rehabilitation of township roads in Minna within the stipulated time of 24 months while Arab Contractors is responsible for the reconstruction of the Ring Road in Bida within 30 months.
Governor Mohammed Bago said the road contracts are in line with his urban renewal policy and that the contracts for Minna township and Bida ring road are under phase one.
He further said the Minna project is in two segments and the second segment has been advertised.
Governor Umaru Bago who was speaking during signing of contracts said a by-pass from Pago to Garatu is among over 20 other roads for the Minna township projects, explaining that the by-pass would cover 100,000 square kilometres while that of Bida ring road would cover 40,000 square kilometres.
He said the projects would open up the areas and generate about N1 trillion and N200 billion respectively which he said would be used to refinance more projects.
While assuring the contractors of security, the governor however warned that his government would not condone variation, as funds had already been earmarked for the projects with a 25 percent advance payment guaranteed.
He told the contractors to work with indigenes, especially the youth, adding that a social register would be opened for those interested to be part of the projects.
The governor also announced that the Suleja and Kontagora contracts would be signed in the next 30 days under the second phase of the projects.
The permanent secretary in the ministry of works, Hassan Baba Etsu, described the projects as unprecedented in the history of Niger State, saying the contractors were carefully selected.
Managing director of CCECC, David Wang and that of Arab Contractors, Mohammed Eledaruis, assured the government of timely completion of the projects.
The project consultant, Olatunji Ajayi, while commending the state government for the stride which he said would have multiplier effect on the economy of the state, assured that he would ensure that quality projects are delivered.
The commissioner for works, Suleiman Umar, signed on behalf of the state government while David Wang and Mohammed Eledaruis signed for their respective firms.
The contracts are expected to create direct job opportunities for 2,500 people while 12,000 people will have indirect jobs.
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