Magaji hails Tinubu’s ₦1.5trn highway project as key to mobilising youths ahead of 2027

Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Magaji has said that infrastructure and development initiatives addressing practical community needs can provide a meaningful basis for engaging young Nigerians in public affairs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists at the flag-off and groundbreaking ceremony for the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa–Makera–Kontagora Federal Highway in Bida, Magaji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the approximately ₦1.5 trillion Federal Government project, which covers the reconstruction and dualisation of a 376-kilometre highway corridor in Niger State.

The project incorporates reinforced concrete pavement, an engineering approach intended to provide durability along a major transportation route serving communities, agricultural producers and commercial activities.

Magaji was accompanied to the event by Hon. Manaseh Salawu, the Niger State Youth Leader of the City Boy Movement, who pledged his absolute and unwavering support for the movement’s cause and Magaji’s leadership.

Their joint presence at the ceremony underscored their engagement with the movement’s activities and the importance of coordination among youth stakeholders in advancing shared objectives.

“As a youth mobiliser, it becomes easier to engage young people when they can see development initiatives that address real needs in their communities. Projects that improve transportation, strengthen commerce and create economic opportunities give us concrete issues to discuss as we engage our people ahead of 2027,” Magaji said.

He explained that his participation in the ceremony also provided an opportunity to connect with the Niger State APC chairman, the state party’s youth leader and several youth leaders from across the state.

He described these engagements as important to strengthening relationships among party stakeholders, exchanging ideas on youth participation and sustaining communication with young people at the grassroots.

Magaji said his wider engagement with youth stakeholders would continue to focus on dialogue, community concerns and constructive participation in public affairs.

He also commended Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, for their engagement with the state’s development priorities, while acknowledging the Federal Government’s role in advancing the highway project.

He noted that the road could improve access to markets, support the movement of agricultural produce and ease transportation for residents and businesses along the corridor.

“Going into 2027, our engagement with young people must be grounded in dialogue, credible information and the development issues that matter to them. We must continue to listen to communities, build relationships and encourage informed participation in the democratic process,” he added.

Magaji called for the timely and quality execution of the highway, stressing that effective delivery would be essential to realising its intended benefits for Niger State and the wider region.