By Stephen Ojo
The persistent neglect of federal roads and other infrastructures in Niger state has become a burden and worrisome to the state government and the citizens
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Niger state on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo stated this on Wednesday while speaking with journalists in Minna.
Speaking against the backdrop of a recent stakeholders meeting held in Minna with the minister of works, Senator Umahi and a follow up delegation to the federal ministry of works led by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Special Adviser emphasised the need for the Federal Government to urgently intervened in the deplorable federal roads across the state.
According to him, “the situation has become a burden on the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago. The Governor cannot get all projects done alone considering the fact that several projects are ongoing in the state”.
Usman Ebbo regretted that Federal Government roads within the state like the Suleja-Minna road awarded 14 years ago, the Kontogora-Rijau road awarded over ten years and Baro road project are among many other projects yet to be completed despite assurances.
He explained that the situation is more worrisome as Niger State is the center of Nigeria, adding that, ” the economy of the country will collapse if Niger State roads collapsed”.
The SA expressed sadness over enormous opportunities in the state that are not being utilized and urged federal government to bring in resources to support Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago as the lead in agriculture revolution in the country.
He called on the state and National Assembly members to draw the attention of the federal government and make Niger State a priority, adding that Governor Bago has prepared the ground for the federal government to find ease in operations of its policy and programmes.