By Mohammed Baba Busu
Niger Government has scheduled April 2, 2024 for the official ground breaking for the reconstruction of the Bida-Minna road..
The Chairman, New Niger Development Project, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha-Bida disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna on Thursday.
He explained that a big relief, therefore, was underway for the motorists and commuters plying the road, who have been suffering over the years due to its deplorable state
The reconstruction, upgrading & dualization of the road has received a boost as the 3 pre-qualified and shortlisted companies submitted their financial bids for the 82km project at the New Niger Office, Minna.
According to him, the companies are: Triacta Nigeria Limited, CGC Nigeria Limited and Arab Contractors, adding that all due processes have been completed.
Mustapha-Bida stated that the road was a major economic corridor, saying, “”it is s expected to boost the industrialization of the state, as it will eventually become the longest dual carriage in the state.”
He said that the project was among the key development objectives of the Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago administration and a key success factor for the State’s Agricultural Revolution drive, as it would facilitate the prompt evacuation and movement of agricultural produce in Niger.
He said that the pre-qualification documents were issued to the interested applicants after the publication of the Specific Procurement Notice.
According to him, a total of eleven companies submitted their interests.
He said that the opening was conducted on the March 14, 2023, as indicated in the specific procurement notice and the Bid Data Sheet, in the presence of applicants who chose to attend.
“Consequently, after the evaluation processes, sequel to all standard procedures, 5 companies were issued with No Objection Report.
They include; Triacta Nigeria Limited, CGC Nigeria Limited, Arab Contractors O.A Nigeria Ltd/ Arab Contractors O.A Co. (Egypt) (JV), China Communication Construction Company Nigeria Limited (CCCCNL) and bHitech Construction Company Limited/ ITB Nigeria Limited (JV).
The chairman said that the companies were invited to submit their financial bids on 30th Jan. 2024, followed by the opening of Financial Bids at the New Niger Office.
He added,”However, the remaining two companies were unable to meet up with the time of submission, just as the companies are expected to receive their Award Letters on the 1st of April 2024, before the official contract signing.”