Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has flagged off construction of an 11-kilometer dual carriageway between Ningi and Gudduba, costing over N10 billion.

The project, expected to be completed within 18 months, includes a 7.3-meter carriageway and 2-meter-wide shoulders. It is seen as a reciprocation for local support and is expected to boost economic growth and development in the area.

At the flag-off ceremony in Ningi on Sunday, Governor Mohammed emphasized his commitment to road development, noting its crucial role in economic activities. 

He explained that the contract was awarded because of the project’s strategic importance, as it serves as a gateway to the commercial city of Kano and other northern parts of the country.

The governor also disclosed that the mobilization fee of 30 percent has been paid to allow for the commencement of work. He said that a team of engineers from the State Ministry of Works and Transport and the Federal Ministry of Works would jointly supervise the contract.

Governor Mohammed expressed regret that the Ningi Emirate and the central zone had been deprived of good road networks by previous administrations but promised to correct these anomalies. 

“There is so much neglect of the Ningi emirate and it is not that easy for one administration to address them, but I will try my best as the Turaki Ningi,” he observed.

“We therefore hit the ground running on day one of our first tenure by awarding road projects to several reputable road contractors.

“This particular one that we are doing in Ningi, is in recognition of what the people of Ningi have done to us as PDP, from myself the governor, you voted for me, voted for all those who contested under the PDP. All the elected offices in the Ningi emirate were given to the PDP. The only way to say thank you is the Dualization of Ningi town.”

In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Transport, and Representative of the contracting firm highlighted some components of the project, including a 7.3-meter carriageway and 2-meter-wide shoulders.

The Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ibrahim Zubairu, appreciated the governor for considering the long-awaited project in his rural and urban development initiative. He described the road project as a reciprocation of what the people of Ningi had done for the governor and the PDP.