JOEL OLADELE, Abuja
The Democratic Front (TDF), a group advocating for socio-economic development in Nigeria has called on leaders from North and South-West regions of Nigeria to rally support for the proposed construction of the 1,000-kilometer Badagry – Sokoto Superhighway.
In a statement jointly signed on Friday in Abuja by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammadu and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, TDF emphasized the potential of the superhighway to foster economic growth and connectivity between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria.
The statement hailed President Bola Tinubu’s understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly after the removal of fuel subsidies. It noted that the approval of the Badagry – Sokoto Superhighway aimed to enhance trade, commerce, and accessibility of goods and services between the South-West and North-West regions, extending to the broader northern territory.
The group proposes that a careful evaluation of the inherent advantages and benefits of the superhighway should normally compel well-meaning leaders and stakeholders in these regions to recognise this proposed earth-shaking infrastructural outlay and applaud the proposal.
“We, therefore, wish to draw the attention of well-meaning leaders and stakeholders to the prospect of the Badagry – Sokoto Superhighway Project, recently approved for construction by His President Bola Tinubu.
“The proposed Superhighway would link five northern states directly to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Badagry. In addition to boosting the Northern region’s capacity to export its agricultural produce and rich solid mineral resources to the outside world, the Superhighway will provide immediate opportunities for unemployed Nigerians and entrepreneurs living within the axis of the project.
“The proximity of the proposed Superhighway to the border will facilitate regional economic and security cooperation between Nigeria and her neighbouring countries,” TDF stated.
The group therefore called upon political leaders and stakeholders, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and governors of the northern and South-Western states, to rally behind President Tinubu’s efforts. They emphasized the need for collaboration and a conducive political environment to ensure the successful completion of the project.
“We believe that the1000-kilometres road project, when completed, will be the largest singular road transportation infrastructure that directly connects the Sahel in the North with the Atlantic Coast in Badagry. This is a dream nursed many years ago by Nigeria’s founding fathers.
“The socio-economic benefits and values of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway to Nigerians living in the northern parts of the country are innumerable and inestimable.
“We therefore urge all northern political leaders and stakeholders to close ranks by supporting laudable projects and support the administration of President Tinubu to ensure the realization of the gigantic road infrastructure.
“It is for this particular reason that we gladly welcome the visit of members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to the President on 31st May 2024.
“The comments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the meeting with the ACF leave no one in doubt of his sincere commitment to comprehensively address the issue of poor infrastructure, and appalling poverty that have bedevilled our country in past decades.
“The onus, therefore, is on the ACF and all other stakeholders to support the president by creating a conducive political atmosphere for the president to complete the good work he has started for the region,” it further stated.
TDF urged President Tinubu to devise an effective financing plan for the project, drawing parallels with the ongoing Lagos – Calabar Coastal Superhighway Project in the South-South geopolitical zone. They emphasized the importance of transcending political differences and focusing on the broader goal of national development.
“It is also our expectation that the Governors of the 19 Northern states, particularly those of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states, would rise above petty political differences and support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the construction of the Badagry – Sokoto Superhighway.
“The Governors of Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states should also step up to encourage and support the President on the Superhighway project, which is set to ensure an economic boom for their Nigerians,” it stated.
