Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection of a 40-kilometer cleared section in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State
Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, announced that the Sokoto-Kebbi axis of the ambitious Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project will cost approximately N3 trillion.
Speaking during an inspection of a 40-kilometer cleared section in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, on Friday, Umahi dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has overlooked the Northwest in its infrastructure agenda.
Umahi highlighted that the superhighway is a cornerstone of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enhancing road and rail connectivity across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to drive socio-economic growth.
“The legacy highway projects are designed to improve road network and train service connectivity… to boost socio-economic development,” he stated.
Key projects include the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Road, the Calabar-Abuja superhighway, the 482km Trans-Saharan road, and the 439km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road.
These initiatives feature concrete roads equipped with lighting, CCTV cameras, health, traffic, and security stations for rapid emergency response.
Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, stretching from Illela in Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos, underscores Tinubu’s commitment to uplifting lives and stimulating economic activity, Umahi noted.
Additional projects in the Northwest include the reconstruction of the Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria road and the Kano-Abuja and Kano-Katsina roads.
“Before the end of 2026, the 120 kilometers of superhighway from the Sokoto axis will be completed,” Umahi assured, emphasizing that the Northwest benefits significantly, with Kebbi allocated N2 trillion and Sokoto N1 trillion for the superhighway.
Describing the project as a 48-year vision of late President Shehu Shagari now realized by Tinubu, Umahi projected completion within five years.
He praised Hightech Construction Company Ltd., security agencies, and the Sokoto State government for their support, adding that President Tinubu has mandated uninterrupted progress on all projects, including those under the NNPCL tax credit scheme.
Minister of State for Works, Mr. Bello Goronyo, called the superhighway a “game changer” for the Northwest, predicting it would bolster Tinubu’s support in the 2027 elections. Mr. Musa Sa’idu, Director of Bridges and Design, confirmed the projects adhere to high standards, tailored to local conditions.
Hightech’s representative, Mr. Dany Abboud, reported progress on 10 kilometers of sections 1A and 1B, noting strong collaboration with government and local communities.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Northwest, Alhaji Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, expressed confidence that the project would attract investment and foster social and economic growth, affirming Tinubu’s commitment to the region. (NAN)
