Samson Alfa, Minna.
Niger State governor, Umar Bago has expressed regret in securing a N1trillion loan for the state’s urban-rural renewal projects.
The governor, who disclosed this at a meeting with contractors handling various state projects, lamented the slow pace of work, in spite of the release of funds.
Noting that the N1trillion loan for the project was heavy on him, Bago said he would have rather accessed N500 billion loan, adding that less than half of the allocated funds had been utilised, raising concerns about a potential financial strain on the state.
He further said “If I had known, I would have just taken N500 billion because the cost of N1 trillion is heavy on me,” Bago lamented.
The governor expressed frustration over delay in project execution, urging contractors to accelerate their work and meet the April deadline.
While acknowledging progress on certain roads, including Paiko-Lapai road, he warned that contractors who fail to meet deadlines risk being dropped from future projects.
“If you don’t perform by April, I will give the project to someone else. I am serious,” he warned.
The governor finally reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructural development, stating that phase two of the urban-rural renewal project is set to commence in 2027.
Leave a Reply