FG begins construction of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, ending 48-year wait

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of the long-awaited Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a 2,000-kilometre project aimed at improving connectivity, trade, and security across Nigeria.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, hailed the project as the fulfillment of a 48-year aspiration, expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to developing Nigeria’s northern regions.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the project’s first phase in Ilelah, Sokoto State, on Thursday, Umahi explained that the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway was initially conceptualized during former President Shehu Shagari’s administration but had faced multiple delays until now.

He described the project as a response to Sokoto’s overwhelming support for President Tinubu during the 2023 elections and expressed optimism that this backing would continue through the 2027 elections.

The project is a key component of President Tinubu’s Legacy Projects, covering approximately 2,000 kilometers with the North accounting for 52% of the route and the South 48%. The superhighway will utilize a concrete pavement for durability, a design inspired by previous projects completed by the contractor, Hitech Construction (Nig.) Ltd, including work on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos and the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Umahi acknowledged the National Assembly for its unwavering support of the President’s infrastructure initiatives and expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser for pledging to provide security throughout the highway’s construction.

The Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and Commissioner of Works, Hon. Idris Mohammed, called the project “a dream come true” for the people of Sokoto. The 1,068-kilometre superhighway, passing through several states including Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun, aims to reduce transport costs, enhance trade, and strengthen security along the corridor.

Engr. Bakare Umar, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, alongside Engr. Musa Seidu, representing the Director of Highways Bridges and Design, highlighted the highway’s features.

They described the six-lane, 120-kilometre stretch as including a landscaped median, solar-powered street lights, and modern signage to connect various inter-border towns and support border settlements in trade and security.

The ceremony also featured remarks from the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, who recalled discussions on the project at a July 2024 town hall meeting in Birnin Kebbi, noting that the flag-off symbolizes President Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria through robust infrastructure.

Adamu Aliero, former Kebbi State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, noted that travel time between Sokoto and Lagos would be significantly reduced by 48 hours once the superhighway is complete. He added that the project includes dams for irrigation and electricity generation, as well as rail lines.

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, lauded Umahi as “Mr. Projects,” assuring Nigerians of high-quality outcomes, while Usman Banye, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Works, called the superhighway a catalyst for economic growth.

The Minister of State for Works, Barr. Mohammed Bello Goronyo, described the project as a testament to the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the project had been discussed in the Federal Executive Council multiple times, reflecting the administration’s commitment to the Northern region and national infrastructure development.

Expressing support, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, pledged community backing to ensure the project’s success and encouraged leaders to prioritize public welfare.

Flagging off the project on behalf of the President, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, highlighting the superhighway’s significance in linking Sokoto to Nigeria’s central and western regions.

Governor Aliyu also pledged to provide security along the highway’s route within his jurisdiction, and he thanked the President for granting Sokoto an additional ministerial position in the latest cabinet reshuffle.