Abandoned Sokoto–Badagry project revived by Tinubu administration, says Bagudu

By Kunle Sanni –

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is pushing ahead with the long-abandoned Sokoto–Badagry development corridor, despite it not featuring in his original campaign promises.

Bagudu made the disclosure on Tuesday during a technical session at the ongoing Government-Citizen Engagement hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House in Kaduna.

The minister’s statement was in response to criticisms from former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who had alleged that the federal government was prioritizing development in certain regions while neglecting others.

Defending the administration’s strategy, Bagudu said President Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda aims to promote inclusive and balanced development across Nigeria. He cited the revival of the Sokoto–Badagry corridor—first proposed during the Third Republic and associated with former President Shehu Shagari’s vision—as proof of Tinubu’s commitment to underserved regions.

“President Tinubu believes that rebuilding Nigeria requires difficult but necessary investments in infrastructure,” Bagudu said. “These projects may not be politically popular, but they are critical for long-term development.”

The minister also addressed Nigeria’s current economic challenges, blaming them on deep-rooted structural problems, including a dysfunctional foreign exchange system, unsustainable fiscal policies, and declining external reserves.

“President Tinubu told us during our inauguration to imagine drawing water from a dry well. That metaphor speaks to the enormity of the challenges we inherited,” he stated.

Bagudu noted that the Nigerian economy has suffered multiple shocks in recent years—including two recessions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and adverse weather conditions—further compounding the country’s economic struggles.