Excitement swept across Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State on Friday as commuters and residents along the Malando–Garin Baka–Ngaski–Wara–Auna corridor hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for breathing life into a once-troubled highway now fast becoming a symbol of economic revival.
The cheers coincided with the President’s visit to the state, as residents described the ongoing reconstruction of the Malando-Ngaski road as a “true dividend of democracy” reshaping livelihoods and restoring hope to long-neglected communities.
For years, the strategic corridor—linking farming belts to key markets—was synonymous with potholes, erosion washouts and abandoned contracts. Today, however, the narrative has changed.
Commercial driver Malam Salisu Abdullahi, who plies the Ngaski–Auna route, told our correspondent that the transformation has been dramatic.
“Before now, we spent hours navigating bad portions. Now, travel time has reduced by nearly 50 per cent. Fuel consumption has dropped, vehicle breakdowns are fewer, and passengers are happier,” he said with a smile.
Traders and farmers share similar sentiments. Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, a produce dealer from Wara, described the road as a lifeline for agrarian communities.
“In the past, transporting tomatoes, onions and grains to market was stressful and expensive. Sometimes goods spoiled on the way. Now vehicles move smoothly, and we can reach bigger markets faster. Business has improved,” she said.
Residents noted that despite emergency washouts during the rainy season, work on the road never stalled for long. They commended the contractors for maintaining steady progress, describing the pace as a departure from previous failed attempts along the difficult terrain.
Alhaji Mahmuda Mohammed-Wara, former Commissioner for Lands and Housing in Kebbi State, described the intervention as timely and impactful.
“This project has brought tangible relief to our people. It is not just about asphalt; it is about economic empowerment, access to healthcare, and improved security through better connectivity,” he said, pledging continued support for the Federal Government’s development agenda.
Also speaking, former Ngaski LGA Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Buhari-Wara, praised Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, for fostering strong synergy between the state and federal authorities.
According to him, that collaboration has opened the door for key infrastructure projects across Kebbi. “The Malando–Ngaski road stands as one of the most visible symbols of democratic dividends in our state. It has enhanced connectivity, stimulated economic growth and improved overall quality of life,” Buhari-Wara said.
Awarded by the Federal Government in late 2024 after years of stalled contracts, the project is widely seen as a breakthrough in addressing the region’s infrastructure deficit. The corridor connects several agrarian settlements to commercial hubs, making it critical to Kebbi’s rural economy.
As President Tinubu’s convoy arrived in the state, residents lined sections of the rehabilitated stretch, expressing optimism that more transformative projects would follow.
For the people of Ngaski and its adjoining communities, the Malando–Ngaski–Wara–Auna road is no longer a symbol of neglect.
It is now a rolling testament to renewed federal presence—one that is paving the way for prosperity, one kilometre at a time.
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