The Niger State Government has firmly rejected allegations that its recent spate of road contracts, totaling over 1,000 kilometers, were awarded through executive fiat. Officials insist that all procurement processes adhered strictly to the state’s Public Procurement Law.
During a press briefing marking Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s third anniversary in office, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development, Engr. Hassan Baba Etsu, labeled reports of irregular contract approvals as erroneous and deceptive. He emphasized that every contract underwent the required procurement procedures.
Etsu highlighted that the administration is executing some of its most ambitious infrastructure projects, including the construction of six flyover bridges, an underpass, and 100 kilometers of roads within Minna, the state capital. Additionally, the 45-kilometer Bida Ring Road is under construction, while road projects spanning 556 kilometers are progressing across all 25 local government areas.
According to the Permanent Secretary, each local government area is benefiting from at least five kilometers of road construction, with approximately 40% of the projects already advanced and nearing completion. He also revealed that the government has stepped in to support federal roads, funding the rehabilitation of the Kontagora-Rijau and Wawa-Babanana routes to boost connectivity and economic growth.
Etsu further announced the approval of a 13-kilometer road project linking Mararaba Dandaudu and Kuta in Shiroro Local Government Area. He reiterated that the Ministry of Works remains fully transparent and accountable, challenging anyone to provide evidence that procurement guidelines were bypassed.