By Abubakar Adamu Kuta
A high-level strategic meeting was convened with the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman to deliberate on the proposed establishment of an Industrial Trailer Park in Lambata, located in Gurara, Niger State.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the SSG’s Office in Minna today, brought together stakeholders, including government officials from the State Ministries of Lands and Survey, Investment and Private Sector Development, State Surveyor General, Surv. Dr. Idris Aliyu Auna, community leaders, Honourable Councillor of Lambata ward, Hon. Adamu Haruna (Gwass) as well as traditional title holders from Lambata Community among others.
The meeting demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to infrastructural development and economic expansion.
The engagement provided a platform for constructive dialogue on the objectives, benefits, and implementation framework of the proposed Industrial Trailer Park project.
In his remarks, the SSG reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Niger State Government under the leadership of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to creating an enabling environment for investment, enhancing road safety, and promoting orderly parking of heavy-duty vehicles across the state. He emphasized that the proposed Industrial Trailer Park in Lambata is strategically designed to decongest highways, reduce accidents associated with indiscriminate parking of trailers, and stimulate local economic growth.
The SSG noted that Lambata’s strategic location along major transit corridors makes it a suitable hub for an organized trailer park facility that will provide secure parking, rest areas, maintenance services, and other support infrastructure for haulage operators. The project is also expected to create employment opportunities for residents, stimulate local businesses, and boost internally generated revenue for the state.
He disclosed that arrangement for a light rail project from Minna to Abuja was on the pipeline which according to him, would make provision for a rail station at Lambata hence the need for the people in the area to cooperate with the government for desired result.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Bello Ahmad intimated the SSG on the level of engagement with the affected communities earmarked for the acquisition of the One Thousand Hectre of land for the project.
While noting the Land Use Act of 1978 that empowers the government to acquire lands for overriding developmental purposes, Hon. Bello Ahmad disclosed that arrangement have been concluded for commencement of the project before this year’s wet season.
The Commissioner assured the community leaders that all land acquisition processes would strictly comply with extant laws and regulations. He further noted that due diligence, transparency, and fairness would guide compensation and resettlement considerations where applicable.
The Community leaders from Lambata including Wazirin Lambata, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi expressed appreciation to the State Government for engaging them in the planning process. They acknowledged the potential economic benefits of the project, including job creation, increased commercial activities, and improved infrastructure within the community. Community leaders, however, appealed for a robust Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR), reduction in the size of the land needed for the project and continuous consultation and adequate consideration of community interests as the project progresses.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to sustain dialogue and collaboration to ensure the smooth implementation of the Industrial Trailer Park project in Lambata.
The Niger State Government remains committed to inclusive development and strategic projects that will advance the socio-economic transformation of the state.