Minister Inaugurates N23bn Dual Carriageway Project

The Minister of Works,
Mr. Mike Onolememen recently inaugurated the construction of the second phase of the N23 billion Suleja-Minna Road dual carriageway project in Niger State.
Our correspondent reports that the 40 kilometres first phase of the dual carriageway which contract was awarded in 2010 was nearing completion.
In his speech at the inauguration held in Bonu, Gurara Local Government Area, Onolememen said the project was a demonstration of government’s commitment to improve the socio-economic well being of Nigerians.
He said that the completion of the road project would reduce the demand for accommodation in the Federal Capital City and enable residents of the area commute to work in the FCT.
“This project is in fulfillment of President Goodluck Jonathan’s promise to transform the socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians, particularly the good people of Niger State in this instance.
“The completion of the Suleja-Minna Road dual carriageway project will in no small measure boost socio-economic activities within the project corridor.
“Moreover the road will play vital role in reducing the pressure in the Federal Capital Territory and cost of rent for residents of the area.
“They (residents) can now choose to comfortably live and commute from Niger State to work in the FCT as practiced elsewhere in the world,’’ he said.
While soliciting the cooperation of stakeholders, Onolememen assured that the Ministry would supervise the contractor to ensure that the work measured up to specified standard.
“I call on the communities, traditional rulers and the people of Niger state to give the contractor all the necessary support for unhindered construction work to ensure timely completion of this important project.
“I wish to assure that the supervisory team of the Federal Ministry of Works will do everything possible to ensure that quality is maintained by the contractor,” the minister pledged.
Alhaji Saidu Idris, the Secretary to the Niger State Government who represented Gov. Babangida Aliyu, expressed hope for speedy completion of the road project.
He said that the completion of the project would enable investors harness the economic potential that abound in the area.
“Niger state attaches great importance to this road and the communities are happy that it would reduce the rush for accommodation in the Federal Capital City.
“We look forward to timely completion of this road because it would open up the economic potential of the Gurara Fall tourist centre,” he said.