Nigerian minister announces completion of road upgrades

25 July 2012

Alhaji Baba Santali, the commissioner for works and housing in the Nigerian state of Jigawa, has confirmed that as much as N63 billion (£251.7 million) has been spent on the local road network over the last five years, Daily Trust reports.

The money was used to construct 1,300 of roads and should help to ease pressure on the local transport system and in turn boost the local economy.

Addressing reporters in Dutse, Mr Baba Santali explained that the different construction projects were spread across the 27 local government areas.

Furthermore, he said that all of the work has now been completed, meaning people in the local area should soon start to see a noticeable improvement.

"All the road projects were executed under phases I, II and III in the past five years," he commented.

"We have concluded arrangements to embark on construction of additional roads under phase IV. It is a people oriented policy designed to enhance road transportation and open up the state."