Infrastructure

Gov Bago flags off construction of 1,500km of roads in Niger

Published

1 year ago

September 14, 2023

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***To gulp N1Trillion in four years

The Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago has flagged off the construction of 1,500 kilometers of roads across the state with the ground breaking of 202 kilometers of roads in Minna, the state capital.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, the governor said his administration will spend N1Trillion in the next four years on roads construction across the 25 local government areas of the state.
Governor Bago disclosed that the road projects are part of his urban renewal programme, stressing that apart from the four major towns of Kontagora, Bida, Minna and Suleja, the remaining local government areas will get five kilometers of road each.
He also said his administration will take some deliberate steps towards fixing some federal roads in the state that in deplorable condition, adding that there are good number of Federal roads spread across the state and that his administration will not hesitate to fix them.
The Governor urged the youths in the state to take advantage of the massive road projects soon to commence to gainfully engage themselves as all the materials and human resources will be sourced locally by the contractors.
He added that the state government through the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises will empower those that will trade around the construction sites, stressing that every segments of the society will benefit from the road projects.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Suleiman Umar disclosed that the project which has a total of 202.4Km consisting of 22 different roads and categorized in two phases with phase one covering eight roads while phase two will cover 14 roads.
He said it is in addition to five interchanges and flyovers at strategic locations and new bypass roads that will open up the State Capital.
While describing the project as one of the most ambitious urban development projects in the history of the State, the Commissioner reiterated that the Ministry will ensure strict monitoring and supervision to ensure timely completion of the projects.
The Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Barr. Abdulmalik Muhammed commended the Governor for his unwavering determination to bringing the needed transformation in the state and promised the continuous cooperation and support of the legislative arm for the benefit of all in the state.
The Managing Director, of China Civil Engineering Corporation (CCECC), Mr. David Wang while commending the resilience of Governor Umaru Bago, described him as an ambitious man who is focused on changing the face of Niger State through massive infrastructural development.
Mr Wang promised to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and ensure harmonious relationships with the locals for timely and qualitative projects.
Earlier, the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, commended the governor for his giant strides, especially in the urban renewal policy of his administration as he pledged continued support of the Minna emirate in particular and the entire Traditional Institution in the state for his policies.

Infrastructure

Gov Namadi Commits N8.3 Billion to Flood Damage Rehabilitation

Published

3 months ago

August 29, 2024

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Umar Namadi

From Ahmed Rufai, Dutse
In response to the recent flood disaster that ravaged parts of Jigawa State, the government has allocated N8.3 billion for the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure.
Managing Director of the Jigawa State Road Maintenance Agency (JIRMA) Eng. Abbas Muhammad Lalai, has indicated that the funds will be used to repair and reconstruct roads, bridges, and culverts washed away by the floods.

Lalai disclosed that tenders for the projects have been opened at the Ministry of Works and Transport, marking a significant step towards restoring the state’s road network.

“Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s administration has prioritized the rehabilitation efforts to ensure the state’s roads are safe and functional, supporting economic and social activities.

“The investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the flood disaster and ensuring the state’s infrastructure is resilient and sustainable.”

Infrastructure

FG in strategic partnership with NSIA to bridge infrastructure gap

Published

4 months ago

August 1, 2024

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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has commenced a discussion with Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) on innovative solutions for Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap.

During a meeting held on Wednesday in his office in Abuja, a proposal for the establishment of a Nigeria Infrastructure Finance and Guarantee Facility (NIFF), a dedicated provider of credit and guarantees for local infrastructure projects was made
A statement by the director of media and information, Muhammed Manga indicated that the NSIA delegation, led by Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, included:

– Mr. Kola Owodunni, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer
– Mr. Victor Sesere, Financial Controller
– Mr. Tolu Adeleke, Partner at PwC
– Ms. Olumorin Motunrayo, Senior Assistant at PwC

The proposed NIFF according to the statement is to bridge the infrastructure financing gap by providing a stable source of funding and guarantees for critical projects.

This strategic partnership between the Federal Government and NSIA demonstrates a commitment to driving economic growth and development through innovative financing solutions.

Infrastructure

AKK gas pipeline: Contrator defends NNPCL against allegation of project delay

Published

4 months ago

July 19, 2024

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Media reports blaming the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) for the delay in the execution of $2.8billion Ajaokuta – Kaduna – Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project has been debunked by one of the contractors, Brentex CPP Limited (BCL).

The company rather affirmed that it has received substantial support from NNPCL in delivering its segment of the AKK Gas Pipeline Project.
Brentex issued the clarification following its appearance at a Senate Committee on Local Content hearing on Tuesday.

The Senate through the committee had expressed displeasure at the delay in the execution of $2.8billion Ajaokuta – Kaduna – Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project by Brentex CCP Limited.

The Committee Chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central) had taken on the management of Brentex CPP Limited, over $1.27billion stations execution component of the contract during the interactive session with them.

Some reports had claimed that Sani Abubakar, chairman of Brentex CPP Limited, informed the committee of attempts by NNPCL to descope the $1.27 billion station component of the contract.
However, Brentex, in a statement, absolved NNPCL of any wrongdoing mentioned in the reports.
The company clarified that the committee had requested BCL to confirm its commitment to deliver its segment (318 km x 40” Segment 2) of the project by the first quarter of 2025.
Brentex responded by stating that it has completed over 80% of the actual pipeline construction work, including crossings.
The company added that it is collaborating with NNPCL to deliver all the stations by the first quarter of 2025, except for two Terminal Gas Stations (TGS), which are currently under descope discussions between NNPCL and BCL.
The company also clarified that the $1.27 billion mentioned in some reports pertains to the entire value of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Segment 2 contract, not the value of the two TGS.
It also said the two TGS stations represent only about 10% of the contract value.
The statement said, “We are one of the two contractors, and there are two segments of the project. BCL is only the contractor for segment 2 of the AKK project-Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to Tamburawa in Kano State.
“For the purpose of emphasis, BCL wishes to add that it is very proud with the progress of its work.
“The company said that any check will confirm that BCL’s performance is easily the best in the history of government-funded pipeline construction projects in Nigeria.
“Furthermore, BCL has always recognised the support it receives from the leadership of the NNPCL, without which we may have had no magic to deliver on this project.”