The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has commissioned the Gwada–Shiroro Road in Niger State, one of the 260 emergency projects inherited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the commissioning on behalf of the minister, the Federal Controller of Works in Niger State, Engineer Aluko Eyitayo, described the road as a critical arterial route linking Gwada community to the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station.

He explained that the project involved two major interventions: emergency road repairs and the reconstruction of a collapsed pipe cover. According to him, the former one-cell pipe cover was inadequate and had collapsed, making movement from Gwada extremely difficult.

“To address this, we reconstructed the crossing by introducing a two-cell box culvert, which is stronger and more durable. As you can see, the work has been completed and traffic is now flowing freely,” Eyitayo said.

He added that several failed sections of the road were also repaired to reduce travel time and improve safety. The scope of work included reconstruction of embankment washouts, construction of box culverts, asphalt laying, drainage works, and stone base installation.

The project was executed by two contractors—Messrs Wisepin and Hi Engineering Construction Limited—and has been substantially completed and opened to public use.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Niger State, Dr. Bala Saliu, commended the quality of the construction, noting that the road has significantly improved economic activities and saved lives in the community.

“The happiness of the people says it all. Despite the remoteness of this area, the social and economic benefits of this project are immense. The community is deeply grateful for this timely intervention,” he said.

Similarly, the Secretary General of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Niger State chapter, Engineer Abubakar Kawu, said the road would reduce accidents, enhance economic activities, and positively impact the power sector, as it leads to the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station—one of the major power generation facilities in the state.

• Meanwhile, other ongoing federal road projects in Niger State include the Minna–Zungeru–Tejina–Kontagora Road, a vital link between the North-Central and North-West regions, as well as the Bida–Zungeru Road, currently under construction by Messrs Nigeria Limited.