Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, announced that the project spanning Sokoto and Kebbi states is projected to cost N3 trillion.
During an inspection of a cleared 40-kilometer section 1A of the ongoing project in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday, Umahi dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has overlooked the North-West in its nationwide project execution.
He emphasized that these legacy highway initiatives are integral to the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enhancing road networks and train connectivity across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to drive socio-economic development. The projects encompass several major routes, including the 750-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Corridor, the 1,068-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Road, the Calabar-Abuja superhighway, the 482-kilometer Trans-Saharan road, and the 439-kilometer Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road. Each project is designed with concrete roads, lighting, CCTV installations, emergency response facilities, and security stations.
Umahi highlighted that the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, extending from Illela in Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos, reflects Tinubu’s commitment to improving lives and revitalizing socio-economic activities in Nigeria. He also noted that in addition to the four legacy projects, the Tinubu administration is reconstructing the concrete road from Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria, as well as other projects along the Kano-Abuja and Kano-Katsina corridors.
“All projects are currently in progress, with the President assuring their completion within the designated timeframes. The 120-kilometer superhighway segment from Sokoto is expected to be finished by the end of 2026. The North-West region is receiving the largest share of infrastructure development under this administration, with Kebbi allocated approximately N2 trillion and Sokoto N1 trillion for the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project. This is commendable and merits further support for the President and his administration,” he stated.
Umahi explained that this initiative realizes a 48-year vision of late President Shehu Shagari, now being fulfilled by President Tinubu, and asserted that the project will be successfully completed within five years.
He emphasized that the President mandated that all projects, including those under the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited tax credit scheme, continue uninterrupted for the benefit of Nigerians.
The minister praised Hightech Construction Company Limited for executing the project, as well as the cooperation of security agencies, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and the State Security Service, in ensuring the project’s smooth progress. He also commended the Sokoto State government for its support of federal projects and urged local communities to continue backing the contractors.
Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, remarked that the North-West region has greatly benefited from President Tinubu’s initiatives, calling the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway a “game changer.” He suggested that the project could significantly influence voter support for Tinubu in the 2027 elections, given the spread of projects throughout the country, including the North-West.
Musa Sa’idu, Director of Bridges and Design at the Federal Ministry of Works, confirmed that the projects are being carried out according to specifications, with alignments tailored to the unique conditions observed at the project’s inception.
Dany Abboud, a representative of the contracting firm, reported that they are simultaneously working on 10 kilometers for both sections 1A and 1B and have made progress on both sides. He expressed that the company is collaborating effectively with government officials and local community members.
Earlier, Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North-West, expressed optimism that the project would attract economic investments, stimulate growth, and enhance social development in the region. He noted that President Tinubu is committed to the North-West, as evidenced by the infrastructural projects and programs established in the area.
(NAN)
