FG commits N42bn to road projects in five Northeast states

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Mu’azu Sambo, says the Federal Government has approved about N42 billion for some road infrastructure in the five Northeast states.

The states are Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe, and Adamawa.

Briefing State House correspondents on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Sambo: “For Borno, we have 22.5km road that is to be reconstructed. This road is Ngom-Koshebe and Ngom-Zabarmari-Gongulong-Kajari road with the contract sum of N13,553,902,668.95.

“The second contract is on reconstruction of 53km Gombe-Abba-Dukurfi Road in Gombe Road and Bauchi State in the contract sum of N11,697,355,449.61.

“The other road is the 54 km Mutayi-Ngalda road in Yobe State with the contract sum of N12,199,182,845.70. The fourth one is the one for Adamawa State, Garkida road, it has a contract sum of N6, 202,214,413.29  inclusive of 7.5 VAT. Garkida road in Adamawa state located at the fringes of the Sambisa forest.’’

Sambo, who briefed journalists alongside his counterpart in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, explained that the all the roads were selected in conjunction with the state governments and other critical stakeholders.

“These roads are expected to stimulate our economic activities, enhance security and facilitate the freer movement of goods and people in these affected states within the zone.’’

On why the government has not resumed the Abuja-Kaduna train services after the bloody terrorists’ attack, Sambo said it would be a height of insensitivity on the part of the government to to resume the shuttle services especially when some of those kidnapped are still in captivity.

Persecondnews recalls that the March 28, 2022 bombing of the rail tracks and fatal shootings by the terrorists left at least eight passengers dead while over 100 were kidnapped.

He said the ministry needed to acquire  surveillance facilities to monitor the rail tracks before restoring the Abuja-Kaduna train servces.

According to him, the government is looking at the best options in terms of the surveillance including concession under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

On the timelines for the initiative, Sambo said: “If I give a timeline, I will be lying to you and it will be insensitive to restart the service if some families weep day and night over their family members still in the bush.

“Government is mindful of the cost involved but we should be able to report definite progress on it in about a month.’’

The Minister also disclosed that FEC approved a contract for the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) worth N1.49 billion for the repair of its crane.

Also speaking, Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq  said the ministry is jointly funding the various road projects in the Northeast region with the Ministry of Works and Housing.

“As you are aware, the Northeast Development Commission was established in 2017 to address issues of rebuilding, reconstructing, rehabilitating, reintegrating the people of the Northeast who have been affected by the insurgency.

“We are also in partnership and collaboration with the Nigerian Society of engineers in the area of engaging reputable local consultants for the design and supervision of the major works in line with the executive order five for promoting local content in science, engineering, and technology,’’ she said.

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