President Bola Tinubu on Thursday officially performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the ambitious 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project.
The event took place at the project site in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with the president represented by Governor Ahmad Aliyu.
Tinubu emphasized that this initiative is a key component of his Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to spur infrastructure development and enhance socio-economic activities across Nigeria. He stated, “This project is a bold vision to develop infrastructure, enhance national connectivity and help grow the economy.”
The president reaffirmed his commitment to implementing projects that meet the country’s development priorities and accommodate population growth, urging the community to embrace the road initiative, saying, “It is for your own good.”
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, highlighted that the superhighway is one of four legacy highway projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving road networks and train service connectivity across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Other projects include the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Corridor, Calabar-Abuja superhighway, 482km Trans-Saharan road, and 439km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road.
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Umahi noted that the Lagos-Badagry superhighway has been in the planning stages for 48 years, dating back to President Shehu Shagari’s administration. He emphasized that its actualization under President Tinubu reflects a strong commitment to economic growth and improving citizens’ quality of life.
“This project is designed as a concrete road equipped with lighting, CCTV cameras, health, traffic, and security stations to enhance emergency responses,” he explained. He also assured that standard procurement practices have been adopted and specialized contractors engaged to ensure timely completion.
> The minister projected that the first phase of the project would be completed before 2027, outlining that it would cover 120 kilometers in Sokoto and 258 kilometers in Kebbi, with additional stretches in Niger, Kwara, and other states. He affirmed, “President Tinubu believes in one nation, with all projects and services spread across the country to benefit all citizens.”
Umahi acknowledged the support of the Sokoto state government and urged local communities to back the project, warning against any disturbances to contractors. “These four projects are more than infrastructure; they are meant to rejuvenate the economy, agriculture, tourism, education, health, and other sectors,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the long wait for the Sokoto-Badagry road, he stated, “The Sokoto-Badagry road has been in the pipeline for the past 48 years. You can imagine the successive administrations that came and left, and not even a single kilometre was done. It remained a dream.”
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, addressed the gathering, urging the federal government to prioritize road improvements to reduce accidents and security risks. He also advocated for the construction of railway lines as a viable alternative for national development.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and Minister of Labour designate, Maigari Dingyadi, among others, marking a significant step forward for Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions.
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