President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate reconstruction of three federal roads in Niger State, totalling 306.5 kilometres, as part of efforts to strengthen critical transport corridors across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the projects include the Mokwa–Bida Road (120km), Mokwa–Makera Road (63km), and Bida–Lambata Road (123.5km).
Nwaze said the roads would be reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability and long-term value.
He also disclosed that the President approved the extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State to link with the East–West Road. The project, he said, would be executed as a dual carriageway built with concrete pavement and fitted with solar-powered street lighting. It will be delivered through a competitive bidding process.
According to the statement, the Minister of Works expressed appreciation to the President for the approvals, describing the projects as strategic investments located within key national economic corridors expected to enhance connectivity, trade, and socio-economic development.
He called on Nigerians to support the administration’s infrastructure drive, noting that the projects cut across different geopolitical zones and are aimed at delivering quality roads and bridges nationwide.
The minister also congratulated the governments and people of Niger and Rivers states, as well as other Nigerians who stand to benefit from the projects.
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Road infrastructure development remains a central component of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, with the Federal Government prioritising the rehabilitation and reconstruction of major economic corridors. Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has promoted the use of reinforced concrete pavement technology for key highways, arguing that it offers greater durability, reduced long-term maintenance costs, and improved resilience against heavy traffic compared to asphalt.
Niger State occupies a strategic position in the country’s road network, serving as a transit hub linking the North-Central region to the North-West and parts of the South-West. The Mokwa–Bida corridor connects agricultural and commercial communities and feeds into trade routes transporting goods to Lagos and other southern markets.
The Bida–Lambata axis also links to the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene corridor, a major route connecting the Federal Capital Territory to the southern part of the country. Stakeholders have long raised concerns over poor road conditions along these routes, citing safety risks, prolonged travel time, and economic losses.
The extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road to the East–West Road is expected to further improve connectivity in Rivers State and enhance access to coastal and industrial areas.