President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, reaffirmed his commitment to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production before leaving office.
The President stated this in Niger State during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 84 km, N169.7bn Bida-Minna Road construction in the Kakakpagi, Katch Local Government Area of the state.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, asserted that the Federal Government would continue to partner with states that bring development to their people.
His words: “For governments at all levels to grow, there must be cordial relationships. The Federal Government will support Niger to ensure that the desired prosperity is derived. Nigeria will be self-sufficient in food production during my administration.
“Road construction will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.”
The President then commended the first-class traditional ruler and chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional rulers, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, for ensuring peace in his domain.
“As a traditional title holder of Jagaba Borgu since about 20 years ago, I am also a son of Niger and I will be part of anything that will bring development to the people of the state,” Tinubu asserted.
In his remarks, Governor Umaru Bago said the construction of the Bida-Minna Road was a promise fulfilled.
“As encapsulated in our pact with Nigerlites under the New Niger Agenda, this groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of the 84 km standard dual-carriageway with street lights, interchange, and underpass at both ends of the road, a promise fulfilled.
“This project is of paramount economic importance to us as a state. Therefore, the groundbreaking ceremony we are witnessing today is a paradigm shift from the usual lip services of the past.
“This demonstrates our commitment towards building world-class road infrastructure that will endure over time to make Niger a reference point in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic development in Nigeria.
“We are poised to change the negative narratives in line with our ambitious New Niger Agenda,” he submitted.
