Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
In a groundbreaking ceremony held in Ilelah town, Sokoto State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the launch of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, emphasizing that the Bola Tinubu administration has broken a 48-year stalemate regarding the project. Umahi highlighted that the concept for this superhighway was first introduced during former President Shehu Shagari’s tenure but failed to move forward at that time.
Describing the event as a significant milestone in the current administration’s legacy projects, Umahi pointed out that the superhighway will span over 1,068 kilometers, with 52% of the route in the North and 48% in the South. He explained that the decision to use concrete pavement in the highway’s design and construction was made to ensure its durability, while the contractor, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig) Ltd, was chosen for their proven ability to deliver on specifications and timelines.
In a statement released by Mohammed Ahmed, the Director of Press and Public Relations, it was noted that Hitech Construction previously completed similar pavement projects on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos and is currently working on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Umahi acknowledged the support of National Assembly members for the President’s infrastructure initiatives and expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for their commitment to provide security throughout the project’s duration.
Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and Commissioner for Works, Idris Mohammed Danchadi, called the project “a dream come true” for the people of Sokoto. Additionally, Bakare Umar, Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, along with Musa Seidu, representative of the Director of Highways, Bridges, and Design, praised the 1,068-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway as a pivotal Trade, Transport, and Security (TTS) Greenfield initiative.
The highway will cut through Sokoto State, passing through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and ending in Lagos State. It aims to lower transportation costs, enhance trade efficiency, and improve connectivity, all while fostering economies of scale along the route. The design will include median landscaping, solar street lighting, and modern digital signage, linking existing inter-border towns and providing quick access to enhance trade and security.
In separate remarks, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, revealed that during a Town Hall Meeting in July 2024 in Birnin Kebbi, Umahi had discussed plans for the project. Former Kebbi State Governor and Senate Committee on Works Vice Chairman, Senator Adamu Aliero, added that the completion of the superhighway would reduce travel time from Sokoto to Lagos by 48 hours. He mentioned that the project includes key features such as dams for irrigation and electricity generation, along with rail lines.
Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goronyo, affirmed that the project exemplifies the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. Meanwhile, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, pledged to rally the people of Sokoto to support the ministry in bringing the project to fruition, emphasizing its significance to the people of Northern Nigeria.
In his speech, Sokoto State Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu assured that the completed road project would connect the state to Nigeria’s central and western regions, vowing to ensure adequate security for its implementation.
