Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has flagged off the construction and dualisation of the 3-kilometre Mashi Township Road at a cost of ₦5.4 billion, aimed at easing transportation, boosting trade and strengthening economic activities in the commercial town.
Radda performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday in Mashi, describing the project as a strategic investment in the economic future of the local government and part of his administration’s Urban Renewal Programme under the Building Your Future agenda.
The project, being executed by Mothercat Nigeria Limited under the supervision of the Katsina State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, will include solar-powered streetlights, reinforced drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, road markings and other traffic safety features.
“This is not merely the commencement of another road project. It is the beginning of a strategic investment in the economic future of Mashi Local Government Area and Katsina State,” the governor said.
Radda noted that Mashi hosts one of the state’s largest commercial markets, attracting traders, farmers, transporters and buyers from within and outside Katsina State.
He said the dualisation would ease traffic congestion, improve access to the market, reduce travel time and transportation costs, enhance road safety and create a more conducive environment for businesses.
According to him, the project would also strengthen agricultural value chains, attract private investment, create employment opportunities and expand economic activities along the strategic Katsina-Daura corridor.
“This project is not just about constructing a road. It is about strengthening commerce, supporting agriculture, creating jobs, encouraging investment, and improving the quality of life of our people,” he added.
The governor said the Mashi project was part of a broader programme of strategic infrastructure projects being implemented across Katsina State, including modern roads, drainage systems and solar-powered street lighting.
Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all 34 local government areas benefit from meaningful development projects, irrespective of their location.
“We are determined to ensure that every Local Government Area benefits from meaningful development. Every project we execute is carefully selected based on its potential to improve the lives of our citizens and contribute to the long-term prosperity of our state,” he said.
He urged Mothercat Nigeria Limited to adhere strictly to approved engineering specifications and complete the project within the agreed timeframe, while appealing to residents to cooperate with the contractor during construction.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, described the project as a major milestone under the Building Your Future agenda.
He said the 3-kilometre dual carriageway was designed with modern infrastructure and would ease congestion, improve access to markets, reduce travel time and enhance road safety while supporting trade, agriculture and investment.
Representing the Managing Director of Mothercat Nigeria Limited, Engr. Abdulrashid Rabiu assured the governor that the company would deliver the project within the stipulated timeframe and in compliance with approved quality standards.
The member representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency, Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, described the project as a historic intervention for Mashi, commending Governor Radda for initiating it and other strategic road projects, including the Shargalle–Ingawa Road.
Majigiri said Mashi’s position as a border town and its railway station made the road project particularly significant to trade and economic development.
The Chairman of Mashi Local Government, Hon. Salisu Kallah Dankada, also commended the governor for extending development projects to the area, including the KSTA Motor Park Terminal, agricultural support programmes and investments in education.
The District Head of Mashi, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim Aminu, who represented the Katsina and Daura Emirates, described the road as a landmark project capable of transforming the community and stimulating economic growth.
The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; Grand Khadi of Katsina State, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Abubakar; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari; Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, party leaders and other stakeholders.
