In a bid to cushion the hardship brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has purchased 200 Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses to ease the burden of transportation of residents within the state.
The governor, who disclosed this at a dinner for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Minna, the State capital on Sunday, also announced the readiness of the state government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with a rice processing plant in Kano for direct purchase of the Niger State-produced paddy rice.
According to the former member of the House of Representatives, his government, as part of its infrastructural development plan, has awarded a contract for the construction of a 566km network of roads spread across the state.
He said, “We are very ambitious as a government. We have already purchased about 200 CNG buses to commute for free students going to school and subsidised for civil servants in Niger State. Hundred of the buses will commute Abuja and Suleja daily, while 50 will be in Minna and others will be spread between Kontangora and Bida.
“Secondly, we have awarded contracts for the construction of about 566km of the roads and we have started with groundbreaking. It is unprecedented in this state. We are so ambitious and by the grace of God, we will be there.”
Bago said insecurity should not be allowed to overshadow the natural endowment and economic potential of Niger State.
“Niger State is the largest in terms of land mass in Nigeria, with about 76, 300 square kilometres of arable land. Niger State also has four hydropower dams. That is Kainji, Jeba, Shiroro and Zungeru. We have the only white sand beach in West Africa, the Shagunu beach.
“There is also Zuma Rock and a lot more that people don’t know. I have come here today to tell you that with this partnership we are establishing, we need to spread the gospel. Let people understand where we stand. What people understand about Niger State is the issue of insecurity and insurgency.
“Yes, we cannot shy away from insecurity, it is a reality, but what percentage of our land is in that mess? Very insignificant. We cannot deny the fact that lives are being lost, but we are working assiduously to make sure that everybody lives well in Niger State and in Nigeria at large.”
He said his government would empower farmers with improved seedlings and farm inputs “so that they can produce more tonnage and also make more money.”
Source | Punchng
