By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” has officially laun...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” has officially launched the New Bida 20-Year Short-Term Development Plan, aimed at transforming Bida town into a modern and economically vibrant city.
The unveiling took place during a town hall meeting and stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Ministry of Lands and Survey in collaboration with the New Niger Development Project, held in Bida.
Describing the initiative as a “short-term plan with long-term impact,” Governor Bago said the 20-year development roadmap is designed to accelerate infrastructure development and socio-economic growth in the ancient town.
One of the major components of the plan is the construction of a 44-kilometre dual carriage ring road, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and stimulate the growth of a new city around the area. The project also includes the provision of key social amenities and the establishment of a 100-megawatt solar farm to boost power supply.
“I want to assure you that no one’s land will be taken without due process,” the Governor stated. “All affected property owners will be adequately compensated. This project is for the greater good, and I urge everyone to support it wholeheartedly.”
He further advised community members to be vigilant and guard against the activities of land grabbers, warning that the state government will not tolerate illegal acquisition of land.
In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, called for unity and cooperation from the people to ensure the successful execution of the plan, which he said holds immense promise for future generations.
Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barrister Maurice Magaji, described the development plan as a pivotal moment for Bida. “This initiative marks a shared commitment to sustainable growth, economic revitalization, and environmental resilience,” he said.
The event also featured key presentations, including an enumeration and valuation session for compensation led by Alhaji Adamu Mohammed; a paper on optimizing land use and infrastructure development by Architect Ramatu Teni Suleiman; and an overview of the New Bida Plan by Professor Mohammed Bala Banki. The session concluded with contributions, suggestions, and recommendations from stakeholders.
Attendees widely commended Governor Bago for his visionary leadership and called on residents to rally behind the initiative to ensure its full realisation.
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