By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, on Tuesday chaired a high-l...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, on Tuesday chaired a high-level strategic meeting on the proposed establishment of an Industrial Trailer Park in Lambata, Gurara Local Government Area, reiterating the state government’s commitment to economic growth and infrastructural development.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the SSG’s Office in Minna, brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Ministries of Lands and Survey, and Investment and Private Sector Development, the State Surveyor General, Surv. Dr. Idris Aliyu Auna, community leaders, the Councillor representing Lambata Ward, Hon. Adamu Haruna (Gwass), and traditional title holders from the community.
The engagement provided a platform for deliberations on the objectives, benefits and implementation framework of the proposed project, which the government said is aimed at boosting economic activities and improving road safety.
In his remarks, the SSG reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to creating an enabling environment for investment and ensuring orderly parking of heavy-duty vehicles across the state.
He said the proposed Industrial Trailer Park in Lambata is strategically conceived to decongest major highways, reduce accidents associated with indiscriminate parking of trailers, and stimulate local economic growth.
According to him, Lambata’s location along major transit corridors makes it an ideal hub for a modern trailer park facility equipped with secure parking spaces, rest areas, maintenance services and other support infrastructure for haulage operators.
“The project is expected to create employment opportunities for residents, stimulate local businesses and increase the state’s internally generated revenue,” the SSG said.
Alhaji Usman also disclosed that plans were underway for a light rail project from Minna to Abuja, which would include a rail station in Lambata, urging residents to cooperate with the government to ensure successful implementation of both projects.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Bello Ahmad, briefed the meeting on ongoing engagements with affected communities regarding the proposed acquisition of 1,000 hectares of land for the project.
Citing the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers government to acquire land for overriding public interest, the commissioner said arrangements had been concluded to commence the project before the onset of the rainy season.
He assured community leaders that all acquisition processes would comply strictly with existing laws and regulations, adding that due diligence, transparency and fairness would guide compensation and resettlement processes where applicable.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Wazirin Lambata, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, commended the state government for involving them in the planning process. He acknowledged the potential benefits of the project, including job creation, increased commercial activities and improved infrastructure.
However, community representatives appealed for a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, a possible reduction in the size of land required for the project, and sustained consultation to safeguard community interests.
The meeting ended with a resolution to maintain dialogue and collaboration to ensure the smooth implementation of the Industrial Trailer Park project.
The Niger State Government reiterated its resolve to pursue inclusive development initiatives and strategic projects aimed at advancing the socio-economic transformation of the state.
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