Governor Mohammed Umar-Bago of Niger State has inaugurated a 20-year development plan for the transformation of Bida town into a modern urban centre, in line with his administration’s urban renewal development agenda.
The plan, unveiled during a town hall meeting and stakeholders’ engagement in Bida on Sunday, was organised by the Ministry of Lands and Survey in collaboration with the New Niger Development Project.
Governor Umar-Bago described the initiative as a strategic roadmap aimed at accelerate development and revitalising socio-economic activities in the ancient town.
He disclosed that the plan would be complemented by a 50-year long-term strategy to ensure continuity and sustainability.
He noted that a major component of the development plan is the construction of a 44-kilometre dual carriage Ring Road around Bida.
The project he said is designed to ease traffic congestion, particularly from the heavy influx of articulated vehicles that currently pass through the town.
“With the thousands of trailers passing through Bida daily and their negative impacts, this ring road, with a setback of 1km on both sides, is essential for the health, safety, and prosperity of the people,” the governor stated.
He revealed that the road project would open up a new city along its path, with provisions for social amenities and a proposed 100-megawatt solar farm.
According to him, over 3 million trailers pass through the town annually — an untapped opportunity with the potential to generate up to N3bn in monthly revenue.
Following growing concerns about land ownership, Governor Umar-Bago assured residents that the government had no intention to seize land forcefully.
He said the plan was about creating structured layouts, not dispossession.
“Wherever you have a house or a farm that falls on the right-of-way, you will be adequately compensated. We urge people not to take the law into their own hands,” he said, while cautioning communities to beware of land grabbers.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, hailed the development initiative, and urged residents to support the government’s vision.
He emphasised that the new road infrastructure would save lives and foster long-term economic progress.
“This could not have come at a better time, given the current economic hardships and poor road conditions in the country,” the monarch said.
He called for prayers for Governor Umar-Bago, applauding his dedication to the development of Bida and Niger State at large.
Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mrs Maurice Magaji, described the event as a defining moment, noting that the plan encapsulates a shared vision for economic growth, sustainability, and environmental resilience.
Other stakeholders, including retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Garba and Prof. Muhammad Kuta-Yahaya, Pro-Chancellor of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, commended the governor’s bold steps and called for collective support to fully realise the vision for the “New Bida Town.”
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