Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has expressed optimism regarding the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s road infrastructure. Speaking from the Government House in Lokoja, Governor Bello expressed deep appreciation for the Minister’s proactive approach in inspecting deteriorating federal roads within the state which demonstrated a significant dedication to resolving pressing infrastructure issues. He also praised Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, for his visit to Kogi State on August 22, 2023.
The governor highlighted the concern surrounding the condition of federal roads in Kogi State, emphasizing its strategic position as the connecting point between Northern and Southern Nigeria. He acknowledged the hardships faced by commuters, the negative impact on trade and the economy, and the strain on transportation systems. Governor Bello extended gratitude to both Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, and the Minister of Works for recognizing the challenges and pledging prompt interventions to alleviate the situation.
“The condition of our federal roads has been a source of great concern to our administration, the people of Kogi State and Nigerians in general, owing to the fact that Kogi is geographically the connecting point between the Northern and Southern Nigeria. The suffering endured by commuters, the negative impact on trade and economic activities, and the strain on our transportation system have not gone unnoticed. It is with this in mind that we extend our sincere appreciation to the Honorable Minister for not only acknowledging this plight but also for promising urgent interventions to alleviate the situation”, the governor said.
He emphasized the collaborative efforts between federal and state governments in addressing infrastructure issues as a hallmark of effective governance. He expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda for the nation’s economy and citizens’ well-being and believed that urgent interventions promised by the Minister would mark a turning point for citizens who regularly travel these roads.
Earlier, Senator Dave Umahi commended Governor Yahaya Bello’s commitment to the people of Kogi State and his administration’s accomplishments across education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The Minister expressed gratitude for the Governor’s warm reception upon his appointment as Minister of Works and for his dedication to the betterment of Kogi State. Senator Umahi acknowledged the state of federal roads and the government’s comprehensive turnaround efforts. He revealed plans for long-lasting, low-maintenance concrete roads and assured swift progress on all federal road projects in Kogi State.
He disclosed that the federal government is considering concrete road construction innovation which he said it has low-maintenance cost and can last for over 50 years without maintenance. He also disclosed that concrete roads are cheaper in terms of construction cost and the guarantee of construction materials.
The Minister promised to redesign the Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta road and appreciated the Governor’s road maintenance efforts. The areas inspected included bridge reconstruction at Gada-biu, the Abaji section of Abuja-Lokoja road, Koto-Karfe bridge, Murtala bridge, Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta road, Lokoja-Okene road, and Lokoja-Kabba road.
ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,
August 23, 2023.