The Federal Government has flagged off construction of the Sokoto -Badagry Superhighway which spans over 2000km.
Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed announced this in a statement issued on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Ahmed said the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi described the award of the contract for construction of Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway as a forty-eight year jinx being broken and a show of love for the people of the Northern part of the country by President Bola Tinubu.
He disclosed this at the flag off ceremony for construction works on the Section I, Phase 1A of the project in Ilelah town, Sokoto State on Thursday, 24th October, 2024.
Engr. Umahi informed the gathering that the idea of the project was first mentioned during the first tenure of former President Shehu Shagari but could not be started earlier than the present, describing it as a payback to the people of Sokoto for the massive support given to the Tinubu Presidency at the 2023 polls, while also soliciting for same and much more during the 2027 elections.
He further described 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 rigid pavement i.e. concrete in its design and construction was informed by longevity, while that of the contractor, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig.) Ltd was premised on capacity to deliver according to specifications and on schedule.
While appreciating the unwavering commitment and support of Members of the National Assembly for the President’s infrastructure renaissance, the Minister 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, Hon. Idris Mohammed Danchadi alluded the project to “a dream come true” for the loyal people of the State.
Briefing the 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.
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.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. (Barr.) 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.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, 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, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, 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.
