President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, expressed his determination to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production before leaving office.

The President spoke in Niger State during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 84km, N169.7bn Bida-Minna Road construction in the Kakakpagi, Katch Local Government Area of the state.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, promised that the Federal Government would continue to partner with states that bring development to their people.

He said, “For governments at all levels to grow, there must be cordial relationships. The Federal Government will support Niger to ensure that the desired prosperity is derived. Nigeria will be self-sufficient in food production during my administration.

“Road construction will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.”

The President extolled the first-class traditional ruler and chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional rulers, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, for ensuring peace in his domain.

Tinubu said, “As a traditional title holder of Jagaba Borgu since about 20 years ago, I am also a son of Niger and I will be part of anything that will bring development to the people of the state.”

In his remarks, Governor Umaru Bago said the construction of the Bida-Minna Road was a promise fulfilled.

“As encapsulated in our pact with Nigerlites under the New Niger Agenda, this groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of the 84km standard dual-carriageway with streetlights, interchange, and underpass at both ends of the road, a promise fulfilled.

“This project is of paramount economic importance to us as a state. Therefore, the groundbreaking ceremony we are witnessing today is a paradigm shift from the usual lip services of the past.

“This demonstrates our commitment towards building world-class road infrastructure that will endure over time to make Niger a reference point in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

“We are poised to change the negative narratives in line with our ambitious New Niger Agenda,” he said.

Tinubu said, , “As a traditional title holder of Jagaba Borgu since about 20 years ago,
I am also a son of Niger”