The Federal Ministry of Works is working towards a May 29, 2026, target to commission the 29.5-kilometre Bida–Zungeru–Wushishi road in Niger State, as construction activities intensify on key federal highways ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
The target date was revealed during an ongoing inspection tour of federal road projects in the state organised by the Ministry of Works.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said officials visited several project sites across Niger State to assess the level of progress and determine readiness for commissioning.
The Bida–Zungeru–Wushishi road project, being executed by Gerawa Nigeria Limited, has made significant progress, with about 16 kilometres of asphalt overlay completed out of the total 29.5 kilometres.
Speaking after the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in Niger State, Aluko Eyitayo, said the project was progressing steadily and would be ready for commissioning before May 29.
“You can see the pace of work on that road and the achievements recorded so far. In the next two to three months, the road will be completed.
“The total length is 29.5 kilometres, and the contractor has performed satisfactorily. About 16 kilometres of asphaltic binder course have already been completed, and the quality of work is good,” Eyitayo said.
He added that the final asphaltic wearing course would commence within the next four weeks, expressing confidence that the project would be completed ahead of schedule.
The Niger tour also featured the commissioning of completed projects, including the Gwada–Shiroro road and a critical box culvert that collapsed about three years ago, cutting off access between communities.
Eyitayo explained that the collapse had disrupted movement between Gwada and Shiroro, but the reconstruction of the culvert had restored connectivity and significantly reduced travel time.
“Emergency repairs were also carried out on failed sections of the road that caused severe traffic congestion. Today, traffic is flowing freely, and the communities are pleased with the outcome,” he said.
According to him, the scope of work included embankment washout repairs, construction of a two-cell box culvert measuring 2.0 metres by 2.0 metres, stone base laying, binder course, and asphalt wearing course, all of which have been completed.
Residents of the Gwada community turned out in large numbers to celebrate the reopening of the 25.7-kilometre Gwada–Shiroro road, describing it as vital to economic activities and access to the Shiroro hydropower plant.
A community leader, Alhassan Zaremai, praised the Federal Government and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, describing the intervention as one of the most impactful developments the area has witnessed.
“This road links the National Grid at the Shiroro Power Station. Before the intervention, it was a death trap. We thank the Federal Government and the engineers for restoring safe movement of people and goods,” he said.
Another resident, Hassan Turaki, said the repairs had improved daily life and boosted local businesses. “Accidents were frequent before now, and business was slow. With the road fixed, economic activities have returned,” he said.
Beyond the commissioned projects, officials also inspected ongoing works on major highways, including the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina–Kontagora road, a key route linking the North-Central and North-West regions.
Eyitayo explained that the road was divided into two phases. Phase one, from Minna to Tegina, is being handled by MESA HMF Nigeria Limited and spans 94 kilometres, with about 38 kilometres of asphaltic binder course already completed.
On phase two, from Tegina to Kontagora, he said progress had earlier been slowed by insecurity and banditry, forcing the contractor to temporarily demobilise. However, with improved security support from the state government and security agencies, work has resumed, with about 18 kilometres of asphalt wearing course completed so far.
He also disclosed that the Suleja–Minna road project, awarded in two phases in 2010 and 2015, was recently terminated due to poor contractor performance. The project has since been re-procured and is expected to resume soon.
Commenting on overall performance, Eyitayo noted that while insecurity affected some projects, contractors were now back on site and making progress.
Engineering professionals who attended the commissioning praised the quality of work. The Chairman of the Engineering Regulation Committee of COREN in Niger State, Bala Saliu, said the projects would deliver significant social and economic benefits to the state.
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Similarly, the General Secretary of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Minna Branch, Abubakar Kawu, described the Gwada–Shiroro road as critical to safety, commerce and power generation, given its link to the Shiroro Dam.
On the Bida–Zungeru–Wushishi road, the Project Manager of Gerawa Global Engineering Limited, Adam Adan, said early challenges, including insecurity and community-related issues, had been resolved.
“We are working day and night. Nearly 17 kilometres of binder course have been achieved, and once that is completed, we will move to the wearing course,” he said.
The Ministry of Works reiterated its commitment to strengthening road infrastructure across Niger State, improving connectivity, enhancing safety and supporting socio-economic development.
