Tinubu Launches Major Road Reconstruction and Expansion Project in Niger State to Boost Connectivity and Economic Growth

The Federal Government has officially flagged off the Reconstruction and Dualisation of the 401-kilometre Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road in Niger State. The event, marking the commencement of the major project, was performed by the Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in Bida on Tuesday, 13 October, 2026.
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He thanked the President for his characteristic bold approach to infrastructure development across the country, describing it as “a significant milestone in renewing the hope of ‘Nigerlites’ and motorists plying the vital economic artery.”Farmer Bago reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for the President, pledging to work assiduously to secure a resounding win for him and the party, at all levels, in the state.

Governor Describes Project as a Significant Milestone, Reaffirms Commitment to Mobilising Support for Tinubu’s Re-election.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives across the country, noting that the administration’s developmental strides are visible in different parts of Nigeria. He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the State’s Council of Traditional Rulers, the Estu Nupe for honouring him with a title, and the Governor, whom he described as a development-oriented leader, for the warm hospitality and mass mobilisation.

Engr. Umahi explained that the removal of fuel subsidy had created fiscal space for massive infrastructure improvements, nationwide. He revealed that President Tinubu had initiated approximately 5,500 kilometres of road in the North Central Zone with Niger State accounting for more than a thousand. He also disclosed that the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road project is being funded by the Dangote Group through the Federal Government’s tax-credit financing model.

The Minister pointed out the adoption of long-lasting and climate-resilient continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology for the project as a one-off panacea and a reassuring measure. He also stressed the importance of re-electing the President “to enable him to complete the already started massive infrastructure initiatives,
nationwide and more.

Speaking earlier, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. recounted his recent assessment visit to the failed Dikko Junction to Maje road, a vital link to the road being flagged off, and Mr. President’s magnanimity in approving immediate palliative action. The intervention addresses the decade-long problem being encountered by motorists and the host communities along the 7-kilometre corridor. He expressed satisfaction and gratitude that the gruelling experience on the alignment is now historic.

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, speaking on behalf of his colleagues from Niger State in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerated infrastructure development and economic recovery. He stated that the administration’s economic reforms were intended to strengthen the economy and support a broader agricultural transformation. He also expressed optimism about the State’s support for the President, emphasising transparency in the implementation of government programmes and activities across the country.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, in a Goodwill Speech, commended the initiative, describing it as a deliberate policy decision by President Tinubu to expand infrastructure development across Nigeria. “What is happening today is not novel; it is intentional on the part of Mr President to provide infrastructure across the country,” he added. Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Honourable Akin Alabi, underscored the importance of the highway, describing it as a critical connecting corridor between the Northern and Southern regions that would improve transportation and facilitate economic activities. They pledged adequate oversight of the project.

Providing an overview of the project, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, explained that the reconstruction and expansion works would improve security, ease the movement of people and goods, and facilitate the delivery of services across benefiting communities and adjoining ones. He stated that the 401-kilometre multiplied by two contract begins at Lambata and passes through Bida, Mokwa, and Makera before terminating at Kontagora. The N1.83 trillion project is expected to strengthen connectivity, improve access to markets and agricultural areas, and support commercial activities along the route, he further stressed.

Engr. Mansur Ahmed of the Dangote Group reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development in Nigeria. He described the project as an investment that would open up new communities, expand economic opportunities, generate employment, and stimulate commercial activities.

He assured stakeholders that the project would be executed using CRCP and expressed confidence that it would be completed within the stipulated timeframe. He also estimated the Group’s investment in road sector development across the country at over ₦5 trillion and referenced the ongoing establishment of a Rice Mill in Wushishi, alongside other development initiatives in Niger State.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement (North Central Zone), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, commended the Federal Government’s infrastructure initiatives and acknowledged the efforts of the Niger State Government in promoting development across the Zone. She stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among Federal and State Governments, private-sector partners, and local communities in delivering projects that address the needs of the people.

In his Welcome Address, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project and other ongoing ones in the State and acknowledged the Dangote Group’s involvement in the reconstruction and expansion of the road. He noted that the project would enhance the economic advantages of the State and its neighbours by improving transportation links, facilitating trade, and supporting the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the State’s Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, also expressed gratitude to Mr. President for the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve transportation, strengthen economic activities, and enhance the welfare of communities along the corridor.

Mohammed Umaru-Bago

The Reconstruction and Dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Road is expected to improve regional connectivity, ease transportation difficulties, facilitate agricultural and commercial activities, create employment opportunities, and strengthen access to markets and economic centres. Its successful delivery will depend on effective implementation, adherence to construction standards and timelines, and sustained funding.

The occasion brought together representatives of the Federal Government, Members of the National and State Assemblies, Members of the State’s Executive Council and Heads of Agencies, Traditional Rulers, the Dangote Group, Transport Unions and other numerous stakeholders.

Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Information and Public Relations.
14 October, 2026.
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How Nigerian Navy Recovers Over 2.25m Litres Petroleum Products

The Nigerian Navy has sustained the operational momentum of Operation DELTA SENTINEL, achieving significant successes in its ongoing campaign against crude oil theft, illegal refining, pipeline vandalism, maritime crime and other forms of economic sabotage. Building on gains recorded in the first and second quarters of 2026, the Service intensified intelligence-led operations from July to September to further disrupt criminal networks, protect critical oil and gas infrastructure and secure the operating environment for legitimate economic activities.
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During the Third Quarter, the Nigerian Navy recovered over 2.25 million litres of petroleum products, including over 1,555,983 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 595,470 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 85,690 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, and 15,774 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene. The Navy also rescued 24 kidnapped persons, arrested over 70 suspects, seized 4 vessels, and seized 5 boats, while destroying 14 others for their involvement in crude oil theft. The Nigerian Navy also deactivated over 88 illegal refining sites, 363 dugout pits, 20 reservoirs, and 80 storage tanks/reserviors. Furthermore, 8 refining ovens were destroyed, while 8 outboard engines, 4 arms, over 100 rounds of ammunition, and 7 vehicles/trucks were recovered from criminal elements, as detailed in the attached fact sheet. Collectively, the Nigerian Navy degraded the infrastructure, logistics, and freedom of action available to criminal networks involved in the theft, processing, storage, and transportation of illegally sourced petroleum products.

The Q3 achievements consolidate the operational tempo maintained since the beginning of the year. In the first quarter, the Nigerian Navy conducted more than 183 operations, recovered over 531,500 litres of illegally refined petroleum products, and arrested 18 suspects. This momentum increased.

significantly in Q2, when more than 580 intelligence-driven operations resulted in the recovery of over 4.698 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, the arrest of more than 91 suspects and the dismantling of more than 48 illegal refining sites, among other successes. Since Operation DELTA SENTINEL commenced in January 2026, the Nigerian Navy has disrupted over 241 illegal refining networks/sites, recovered more than 7.482 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, and arrested over 230 suspects. These outcomes underscore the strategic nexus between maritime security, energy security and national economic prosperity, as the Nigerian Navy continues to attack the criminal ecosystem that enables crude oil theft, from illegal refining facilities and illicit pipeline connections to storage, transport and distribution networks.

The significance of these sustained operations is further underscored by recent economic indicators. Provisional Balance of Payments statistics released by the Central Bank of Nigeria indicate that Nigeria’s crude oil export earnings rose from $8.11 billion in Q1 2026 to $9.39 billion in Q2, a 15.78 per cent increase. While this improvement reflects the collective efforts of the Federal Government, regulators, industry operators, security agencies, host communities and other stakeholders, the sustained suppression of crude oil theft and the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure by the Nigerian Navy have contributed significantly to these improved outcomes due to a more secure environment for legitimate production and evacuation.

Beyond interdiction, the Nigerian Navy recognises that sustained success in combating crude oil theft depends on converting operational achievements into successful prosecutions and appropriate judicial penalties. The recent conviction of 9 crude oil thieves by the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is the desired outcome for every arrest made under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.

Against this backdrop, the Nigerian Navy advocates swifter investigations and diligent prosecution of persons arrested for crude oil theft, illegal refining and acts of economic sabotage. Timely prosecution is essential to strengthen deterrence and ensure that criminal networks do not view arrest as merely a temporary disruption to their activities.

Nigerian Navy

Under the strategic direction of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, the Nigerian Navy will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations to dismantle crude oil theft networks and protect critical national assets. The Nigerian Navy will equally continue to strengthen cooperation with host communities and other relevant stakeholders whose support remains vital to denying criminal elements the freedom of action required to sustain illicit activities.

You are kindly requested to disseminate this information to the general public. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

ABIODUN FOLORUNSHO

Navy Captain Director Naval Information Nigerian Navy
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IGP Disu Honours Pioneer Policewomen, Launches Book on Women in Policing

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, attended the public presentation and launch of the book, “The Origin of Police Women in Nigeria: The Story of the Pioneer Women Officers and My Journey in the Nigeria Police Force (1955–1996),” authored by Dame Stella O. Okuyiga, DCP (Rtd.), KBVM, JP, at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
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Serving as Chief Launcher, the IGP described the publication as an important contribution to preserving the institutional history of the Nigeria Police Force and celebrating the courage, resilience and service of the pioneer women officers who opened the profession to generations of women. He noted that Dame Okuyiga, one of the first 20 women to join the Force in 1955, represents a generation whose dedication helped expand the role of women in policing.

The IGP stressed the importance of a Police Force that reflects and understands the diverse communities it serves, noting that women have continued to distinguish themselves across criminal investigation, intelligence, tactical operations, specialist policing and strategic leadership. He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to merit-based advancement and equal professional opportunities, while preserving the legacy of pioneer officers to guide and inspire future generations.

Paying tribute to the author, the IGP recalled his earlier engagement with Dame Okuyiga while serving as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, when she expressed her desire to update and formally present the publication. He commended her for preserving the experiences and contributions of the pioneer generation of Policewomen and encouraged serving and retired officers, institutions and members of the public to support the publication and promote its availability in Police formations, training institutions and libraries.

Responding, Dame Okuyiga expressed appreciation to the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force for the support accorded her in bringing the publication to fruition. She noted that the preservation of the book in Police libraries and training institutions would ensure that the experiences and sacrifices of the pioneer women officers remain accessible to generations of personnel, expressing fulfilment that her story and legacy would endure beyond her lifetime and continue to contribute to the institutional history of the Force.

IGP Disu

The event was attended by the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, represented by the Director, Police Services Department, Ezekiel Audu; AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, OON, mni; Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, psc, mnips; retired DIG Ivy Uche Okoronkwo, NPM, mni; alongside retired senior Police officers, traditional rulers, representatives of sister security agencies, members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association and other distinguished guests.

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to preserving its institutional history, recognising the contributions of officers who laid the foundations for today’s Force, and ensuring that advancement and leadership opportunities remain open to all personnel on the basis of professionalism, competence and merit.

CSP ANI INIEDU, anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
14th October 2026
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