Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has acknowledged that securing a ₦1 trillion loan for infrastructure development may have been an overreach, as financial concerns and project delays continue to mount.
The loan, obtained in 2023, was intended to fund a large-scale initiative aimed at modernizing roads, bridges, and other public facilities, particularly in rural areas. However, slow implementation and the growing financial strain have raised questions about its feasibility.
During a meeting with contractors overseeing various state projects, Governor Bago admitted that borrowing such a significant amount may not have been the best decision.
“If I had known, I would have taken ₦500 billion instead because the burden of ₦1 trillion is too heavy,” he remarked.
Despite the funds being available, the governor expressed frustration over the sluggish pace of work, revealing that less than half of the allocated amount had been utilized. He warned that the state could face financial hardship if progress remains slow.
Issuing a firm directive, Bago urged contractors to accelerate construction efforts, setting an April 2025 deadline.
“You must complete the work within two weeks,” he insisted.
While acknowledging progress on certain roads, such as the Paiko-Lapai route, the governor cautioned that non-performing contractors risked losing future projects.
“If you don’t deliver by April, I will reassign the project,” he warned.
Despite the setbacks, Governor Bago reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructural development, announcing that the second phase of the Urban-Rural Renewal Project is slated to begin in 2027. However, with ongoing delays and financial constraints, doubts persist about the timely completion of current projects.