Niger Begins Immediate Repair Of Storm-Damaged Bida Road, Blames Contractor For Flooding

The Niger State Government has announced plans to commence immediate rehabilitation of the one-kilometre Man Musa Kodogi/Nasarafu Road in Bida Local Government Area, following its destruction by a heavy rainstorm over the weekend.

Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mohammed Yakubu Kolo, disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities on Monday.

He led a state delegation to inspect the extensive damage caused by the downpour, which lasted from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

The storm destroyed homes, a bridge, culverts, and several business premises in the area. Kolo, accompanied by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr. Murtala Bagana, sympathised with victims and assured residents that road rehabilitation would begin within 48 hours to avert further damage.

He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing the area’s ecological problems as a top priority.

Meanwhile, residents blamed Arab Contractors—the firm handling the Low-Cost Housing to G.R.A road project—for diverting drainage channels, which they say caused massive flooding and property losses estimated in millions of naira.

Despite their grievances, residents appreciated the government’s prompt response and lauded Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his continued infrastructural efforts across the state.

A local stakeholder, Yakubu Mohammed of Man Musa Kodogi, noted that the area had battled erosion since 2014 and called for lasting intervention to prevent further displacement.

“Our people are really suffering. One would hardly believe this is happening in Bida town. The rainstorm on June 14 left many homeless, while several businesses have been crippled,” Mohammed said. “We are appealing to Governor Bago to urgently come to our aid and rescue our people.”