Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, from the state of Niger, has expressed his regret for ensuring a 1 billion loan for the urban-rural renewal projects of the State, admitting that ₦ 500 billion would have been a better option.
Speaking during a meeting with contractors that handle several state projects, Governor Bago lamented the slow pace of work, despite the availability of funds.
He pointed out that less than half of the assigned funds had been used, which generated concerns about possible financial tension in the state.
“If I had known, I would have taken ₦ 500 billion because the cost of ₦ 1 billion is heavier for me,” he said.
However, the governor expressed his frustration for the delays in the execution of the project, urging contractors to accelerate their work and comply with the deadline of April 2025.
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“So you want me to come and tell you to do it? You have to do it in two weeks, ”he told contractors.
Although he acknowledged the progress on certain roads, including the Paiko-Lapai road, he warned that the contractors who did not comply with the deadlines risked to be removed from future projects.
“If you do not act in April, I will give the project to another person. I'm serious. “
Governor Umaru Bago reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure development, stating that phase 2 of the urban-rural renewal project will begin in 2027.
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