BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of 1,068 kilometres Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway 48 years after it was abandoned during the past regime.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi stated this on Thursday in Ilelah town, Sokoto State at an official ceremony signaling the construction of Section I, Phase 1A of the superhighway.
The idea to construct the superhighway was conceived as part of the 4th National Development Plan in 1976 during the former Head of State's regime, General Olusegun Obasanjo, but was abandoned in 1979 after Obasanjo handed over power to late former President Shehu Shagari.
When completed, the highway will pass through seven states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminate in Lagos.
The minister noted that the event was 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.
Umahi noted that the project broke a 48-year-old jinx, describing the flag off as a payback to the people of Sokoto for the massive support extended to Tinubu's Presidency at the 2023 polls.
He stated that the epoch-making event was a manifestation of one of the Legacy Projects of Mr. President, adding that the choice of rigid pavement and concrete design was borne out of the need to attain a longer lifespan for the project.
Umahi said that the contractor, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig.) Limited has the capacity to deliver according to specifications and on schedule due to availability of both brand new equipment and requisite manpower.
The same model of construction was done on the Apapa - Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State, and the ongoing Lagos - Calabar Coastal Highway.
While appreciating members of the National Assembly for their unwavering support and commitment to President Tinubu’s infrastructure renaissance, he thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for its promise to provide security for the entire stretch of the corridor till the end of the project.
The Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and Commissioner of Works, Hon. Idris Mohammed Danchadi said that the project is 'a dream come true' for the people of the state.
Director of Highway, Construction and Rehabilitation in the ministry, Engr. Bakare Umar hinted that the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is a Trade, Transport and Security (TTS) Greenfield corridor traversing Sokoto state through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminating in Lagos State.
Representative of the Director, Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Musa Seidu informed that the project seeks to reduce transportation costs, improve trade, connectivity, efficiency and economies of scale around the corridor and beyond.
The 6-lane highway– 3 lanes on each side– will be separated with beautiful median landscaping, solar street lighting and modern digital signages, while linking various existing inter-border towns and routes.
Other benefits of the project are providing quick access, enhancing border settlements for trade, security support and enablement.
The length of Section I, Phase 1A starts from Km. 0 + 000 (Ilelah, Sokoto State) and terminates at Silame on the Sokoto/Kebbi State border.
Recall that at a Town Hall Meeting in July, 2024 at Birnin Kebbi, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu informed on plans by the Federal Government to commence the project.
He said that the flag-off represented the vision of President Tinubu to transform Nigeria and a proof that building viable and lasting infrastructure is possible.
Former Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Adamu Aliero added that upon completion of the project, travel time between Sokoto to Lagos will be drastically reduced by 48 hours, saying that dams for irrigation, electricity generation and rail lines are the integral part of the project.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi named Engr Umahi as 'Mr. Projects' assuring Nigerians of getting value for their money.
Vice Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye described the project as a catalyst for economic growth and a testament to Mr. President’s desire to improve the lives of Nigerians.
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 recalled how the minister spoke about the project three times during the FEC's meeting, a demonstration of his passion for infrastructure development.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar promised to gather persons in Sokoto and its environs to assist the ministry in facilitating the speedy completion of the project that is very dear to Northern Nigeria.
He admonished leaders to always prioritise the welfare of its people.
The Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, who flagged off the project on behalf of the President, was full of praises for the Federal Government.
While commending the gigantic road project, he promised to provide adequate security throughout the length and breadth of the alignment within his jurisdiction.
He appreciated President Tinubu for giving Sokoto another Ministerial during the Wednesday reshuffling of his cabinet members.
News Rider reports that in August 2024, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the construction of the first phase of Sokoto-Badagary superhighway, including the construction of 63 dams.
The dams are expected to enhance the agricultural potentials of Nigerians and bolster power generation in the country.
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