Sokoto-Badagry highway to boost trade, agriculture — Kebbi govt

The Kebbi State government says the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway will significantly boost trade and agricultural activities across the region, describing the project as a major infrastructure intervention with long-term economic benefits.

Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Umar Abubakar Tafida, said the highway would improve the movement of goods and people, especially agricultural produce, while reducing post-harvest losses caused by poor road networks.

“Transport and development go hand in hand. Farmers will now find it easier to move equipment and transport farm produce to markets quickly,” Tafida said in Birnin Kebbi during an inspection tour by the Presidential Media Team and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors on the projects funded by the federal and state governments.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House in Abuja, the deputy governor said the project, which runs through Kebbi for about 258 kilometres, would connect the North-West to the South-West and create broader commercial opportunities for farmers, traders, and transport operators.

“Perishable goods like tomatoes can now reach markets in good time without losses associated with bad roads,” he added.

Tafida also said the highway, originally conceptualised decades ago, was revived after President Bola Tinubu reviewed and updated its design and approved its execution.

“This plan has been there for a very long time, but President Tinubu came, reviewed the design and masterplan, made adjustments and awarded the contract,” he said.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the visible progress on the project had countered criticisms about the federal government’s commitment to delivering the highway.