By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has flagged off the construction of two major road projects covering 34 kilometres in Dukku–Tarasa and Birnin Lafiya–Gulma–Natsini, in a move aimed at improving rural connectivity and boosting economic activities across the state.
The projects, located in Birnin Kebbi and Argungu Local Government Areas, are expected to ease transportation challenges, improve access to essential services and strengthen commercial activities among rural communities.
The Dukku–Tarasa road project covers two kilometres and is scheduled for completion within six months, while the 32-kilometre Birnin Lafiya–Gulma–Natsini road in Argungu Local Government Area is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremonies, Governor Idris said the projects were part of his campaign promises and reflected his administration’s commitment to fulfilling its pledges to the people of Kebbi State.
He explained that the road projects were designed to address transportation difficulties facing rural communities while creating stronger links between villages, urban centres and economic opportunities.
The governor emphasised that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure development across the state, particularly in rural areas where poor road networks often hinder economic activities and access to basic services.
According to him, improved road infrastructure would facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce difficulties associated with transporting agricultural produce and encourage commercial interactions between neighbouring communities.
He maintained that development efforts would not be restricted to major towns and cities, assuring rural residents that their needs would continue to receive attention.
The 32-kilometre Birnin Lafiya–Gulma–Natsini road is particularly significant for communities in Argungu Local Government Area, where improved road access is expected to support farmers, traders and other residents who depend on reliable transportation for their daily activities.
Similarly, the two-kilometre Dukku–Tarasa road is expected to improve local mobility and make movement between the benefiting communities more convenient upon completion.
Residents of the benefiting communities have welcomed the projects, expressing optimism that the new roads would reduce transportation difficulties and improve access to markets, healthcare facilities, schools and other essential services.
Farmers and traders are also expected to benefit from easier transportation of goods and agricultural produce, potentially reducing delays and improving commercial exchanges within the areas.
The projects add to ongoing efforts by the Kebbi State Government to extend infrastructure development beyond urban centres and address the transportation needs of rural populations.
With the two roads covering a combined distance of 34 kilometres, residents will be watching closely as construction progresses towards the stipulated completion deadlines of six months for Dukku–Tarasa and 12 months for Birnin Lafiya–Gulma–Natsini.
Upon completion, the roads are expected to provide more reliable connections for the benefiting communities and support the movement of people, agricultural products and other goods across the areas.
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