By Dele Ogbodo
In what is seen as a landmark feat and the breaking of jinx associated with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has flagged off construction works on the Sokoto-Badagry Highway which starts from Ilelah town in Sokoto State to Badagry, Lagos State.
The initiative by the Tinubu administration is therefore descried as a show of love for the people of the Northern part of the country.
The Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, in a statement, said the Minister informed the gathering that the idea of the project was first muted during the first tenure of former President Shehu Shagari.
He added that the project could not take off for one reason or the other, adding that the present administration see this development as payback to the people of Sokoto for the massive support given to President Tinubu at the 2023 polls.
In the same vein, the Minister solicited for same and much more during the 2027 elections, describing the epoch-making event as a manifestation of one of the legacy projects of Mr. President, spanning over 2,000 km with the North having 52% and the South 48%.
The Minister revealed that the choice of concrete in its design and construction is informed by longevity, while that of the contractor, Messrs. Hitech Construction (Nig.) Ltd is premised on capacity to deliver according to specifications and on schedule due to availability of both brand new equipment and requisite manpower.
Umahi, added that the company 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.
In welcoming guests at the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Sokoto State and Commissioner of Works, Mr. 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, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Bakare Umar, and the representative of the Director, Highways, 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 opined that the project seeks 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, adding that it 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 separate goodwill messages, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed that at a town hall Meeting in July, 2024 at Birnin Kebbi, the Minister spoke about plans to embark on the project.
He said that the flag-off represents the vision of President Tinubu, 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 stated 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, Senator Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi, dubbed the Minister of Works as “Mr. Projects,” further assuring Nigerians of getting value for their money.
While 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, also described 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 revealed 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, which is a demonstration of his, as well as the President’s love for Northern Nigeria, also a passion for infrastructure development.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, 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. 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, was full of praises for the Federal Government. While mentioning that the gigantic road project, when completed, will link the state with the Central and Western parts of Nigeria, he promised to provide adequate security cover throughout the length and breadth of the alignment within his jurisdiction.
