By Kehinde Erin
In a major boost to improve rural infrastructure, enhance agriculture and food security, Kogi State Government has awarded contract valued at ₦6,387,454,983.00 for the maintenance and rehabilitation of 106.36 kilometers of rural farm roads.
This landmark initiative is poised to have a transformative impact on the state’s rural communities, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and development.
This project is being implemented under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), aiming to enhance accessibility and promote agricultural development in rural areas.
The contract signing ceremony, held in Lokoja on Monday, was a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, marking a significant milestone in the state’s growth trajectory.
The successful contractors include Philko Limited, K-Class Multi-Global Engineering Construction Company, JV Ferotex Construction Limited, Zarcus Construction Limited, and NAEL and BIN HARMAL HYDRO EXPORT Nigeria Limited (NBHH).
During the ceremony, the contractors were admonished to prioritise quality and efficiency in their work, ensuring that the assigned projects are completed on schedule and to the highest standards.
In a bid to tackle drainage challenges, the Kogi State government also set aside ₦713,458,813.97 for cross-drainage structure interventions across 66 locations.
This initiative aims to resolve critical drainage issues in various parts of the state, with reputable companies like G-Ariths Engineering Limited, Swaleys Nigeria Limited, and Simat Construction and Civil Engineering at the helm of the projects.
Engineer Sheidu Obansa, the State Project Coordinator, voiced his optimism about the contractors’ abilities during the event, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive rural development under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s leadership.
He gave the contractors a firm assurance of the state government’s full support, pledging to facilitate a seamless and efficient execution of the projects. He also stressed the importance of delivering high-quality work that meets the specified standards, underscoring the government’s commitment to excellence in infrastructure development.
Engineer AbdulBasit Musa, the project’s Infrastructure Engineer, emphasized the need for effective collaboration and synergy between the contractors and the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU).
He assured that all necessary resources and technical expertise are readily available to guarantee the successful execution of these impactful projects, which are poised to transform the state’s infrastructure landscape.
Mohammed Ibrahim of Philko Limited, speaking on behalf of the contractors, made a firm commitment to meeting project deadlines and delivering high-quality results. He also extended his appreciation to the state government for the opportunity to be part of their rural development vision, acknowledging the importance of their contribution.
These projects are designed to drive economic growth, improve the quality of life for residents, and increase accessibility in rural areas, all of which align with the government’s overarching development strategy.
Under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi State has established a productive partnership with the World Bank, paving the way for meaningful progress and development in the region.
