FGN Flags Off Construction of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway
By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has flagged off the construction of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
During the flag-off of the project on the Section I, Phase 1A of the project in Ilelah town, Sokoto State on Thursday,
Minister of Works Sen Nweze David Umahi described it as a 48-year jinx being broken and a show of love for the people of the Northern part of the country by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement from the ministry on Friday, signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed.
Speaking to the people during the ceremony that marked commencement of work, Umahi recalled that the idea of the project was first muted during the first tenure of former President Shehu Shagari but could not be started earlier than now.
Describing it as a payback to the people of Sokoto for the massive support given Tinubu Presidency at the 2023 polls in expectation of even much more from them during the 2027 elections, the Minister said the road is one of the Legacy Projects of Mr President, spanning over 2,000 km with the North having 52% and the South, 48.
The Minister noted that the choice of rigid pavement i.e. concrete in its design and construction, was informed by longevity, while that of the contractor, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig.) Ltd was premised on capacity to deliver according to specifications and on schedule due to availability of both brand new equipment and requisite manpower.
It has done a similar pavement work on the Apapa – Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State and is doing same on the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway.
While appreciating the unwavering commitment and support of Members of the National Assembly for the President’s infrastructure renaissance, he equally thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the promise to provide security for the entire stretch of the corridor while the work lasts.
Welcoming guests at the occasion earlier, Deputy Governor Sokoto State and Commissioner for Works Hon. Idris Mohammed Danchadi alluded the project to “a dream come true” for the loyal people of the State.
Briefing the massive crowd at the ceremony, Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation Engr Bakare Umar and the representative of Director Highway Bridges and Design Engr Musa Seidu described the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway as a Trade, Transport and Security (TTS) Greenfield corridor traversing Sokoto state through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminating in Lagos State.
They explained that the project aims to reduce transportation costs, improve trade, connectivity, efficiency and economies of scale around the corridor and beyond.
The 120-kilometre, 6-lane highway, 3 lanes on each side is to be separated with beautiful median landscaping, solar street lighting and modern digital signages, and when completed will link various existing inter-border towns and routes, provide quick access, enhance border settlements for trade, security support and enablement.
The length of Section I, Phase 1A starts from Km. 0 + 000 (Ilelah, Sokoto State) and ends at Silame on the Sokoto/Kebbi State border, according to them.
In his goodwill messages, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu recalled that at a Town Hall Meeting in July, 2024 in Birnin Kebbi, the Minister (of Works) spoke about plans to embark on the project, stressing that the flag-off represents the vision of Mr President to transform Nigeria, and a proof that building viable and lasting infrastructures is possible.
Also another former Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Works Sen. Adamu Aliero noted that upon completion of the Superhighway, travel time between Sokoto to Lagos will be drastically reduced by 48 hours, adding that dams for irrigation and electricity generation and rail lines are amongst its integral parts.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi who dubbed the Minister of Works as “Mr Projects,” assured Nigerians of getting value for their money.
On his part, the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye said it was a rare honour and a privilege to be a part of the epoch-making ceremony, describing the project as a catalyst for economic growth and a testament to Mr President’s desire to better the lives of the citizenry.
Speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Barr Mohammed Bello Goronyo affirmed that the project is a clear testament of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Administration.
He further stated that, as a Member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), he has heard the Minister spoke about the project in Council for a record three times, in demonstration of his, as well as the President’s, love for Northern Nigeria, and passion for infrastructure development.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar, promised to gather brothers and sisters in Sokoto and its environs to assist the Ministry in the delivery of the project, which is very dear to the people of Northern Nigeria, as he used the opportunity to admonish leaders to always prioritise the welfare of the populace in their deeds.
In his Speech, the Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, who flagged off the project, on behalf of the President, said the project, when completed, will link the state with the Central and Western parts of Nigeria, as he promised to provide adequate security cover throughout the length and breadth of the alignment within his jurisdiction.
The Executive Governor also, specifically, expressed the sincere gratitude and best wishes of the entire people of Sokoto to Mr President for adding yet another Ministerial slot to the State in his cabinet reshuffle.