Gov Bago, stakeholders unveil 20-year development plan for Bida

By Kunle Sanni

Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, has officially launched the New Bida 20-Year Development Plan, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming Bida into a hub of socio-economic activity and sustainable urban growth.

Speaking at a town hall and stakeholders’ engagement meeting held in Bida, Governor Bago emphasized that the long-term plan is designed to address the infrastructural and environmental challenges facing the ancient town, while positioning it for inclusive development over the next two decades.

Central to the plan is the proposed construction of a ring road around Bida, complete with a one-kilometre setback on both sides of the expressway. According to the governor, this measure is crucial to managing the heavy flow of articulated vehicles passing through the town, which has long posed safety and environmental hazards to residents.

“With the thousands of trucks that pass through Bida daily, the ring road project is not optional — it’s a necessity,” Governor Bago said. “This is about the health, safety, and future prosperity of Bida.”

The governor reassured residents that the government has no intention of seizing land unjustly, noting that any property or farmland affected by the development would be fully compensated. He emphasized the state’s commitment to transparency, dialogue, and fairness in the implementation process.

“This government believes in proper engagement. We will not grab land. We will create proper layouts, and anyone affected will be adequately compensated,” he said, urging citizens to trust the process and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

Governor Bago reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with Niger State’s broader vision of a sustainable and inclusive future for all. He noted that relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will continue to engage with the communities throughout the execution of the plan.