The federal government of Nigeria has initiated work on the 1,068-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, fulfilling a longstanding goal of previous governments. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, formally inaugurated this landmark Infrastructure project in Sokoto State, representing a notable achievement for the current administration. The planned path of the Construction will go through Sokoto State, passing into Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun, ultimately reaching Lagos State. Organised into segments to facilitate prompt finishing, this initiative is intended to create a significant economic corridor.
Also, the expressway will incorporate median green spaces, solar-powered streetlights, and modern digital signage, showcasing a design prioritising longevity and durability. To support this vision, the road will use concrete surfacing to prolong its durability and manage heavy traffic over many years. Hitech Construction (Nigeria) Ltd. has been awarded the project, having previously succeeded with similar pavement works on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this initiative aims to stimulate regional trade, reduce transportation expenses, and enhance cross-border business and social interaction connectivity.
52% of the road spans the northern region, with 48% in the southern region.
Furthermore, the Minister of Works pointed out that 52 percent of the roadway will traverse the northern region, with the other 48 percent linking to the southern region. These carefully allocated funds underscore the government’s dedication to promoting Economic Development throughout the nation’s various geopolitical zones. The event featured notable individuals such as Idris Mohammed Danchadi, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, who described the initiative as a dream come true for Sokoto’s residents. In addition, Bakare Umar, the Director of Highway Construction and Rehabilitation, alongside Musa Seidu, who represented the Director of Highways, Bridges, and Design, lauded the superhighway, referring to it as a Trade, Transport, and Security (TTS) Greenfield.
They emphasised its ability to reduce travel time between the two states by 48 hours, generate employment opportunities, and enhance safety along the routes. Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, expressed additional support, stating that the construction’s plans had been thoroughly examined, particularly during a town hall meeting in Birnin Kebbi in July 2024. Senator Adamu Aliero, the former Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, also expressed his belief in the road’s potential to promote economic growth.
Sultan of Sokoto committed to mobilising community support for the project.
Aliero conveyed the legislature’s backing and emphasised the need for a railway connection between Sokoto and Lagos to enhance the highway system and alleviate road transportation pressure. During the event, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, pledged to rally local community support for the project’s achievement, recognising its vital importance for the northern region. Sultan Abubakar also emphasised the need for more focus on residents’ well-being and enhancements to essential pathways, including the Sokoto-Zaria road, which has become a target for kidnappers because of its poor state.
Umahi emphasised the administration’s dedication to completing projects inherited from previous administrations. With an anticipated total cost exceeding 13 trillion Naira, the superhighway represents a profound Investment in the nation’s infrastructure and is scheduled to be completed in six years, with Phase 1 projected to finish by 2027. The Minister of Works noted that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has assured that an improved security framework will be implemented along the route to protect workers and facilitate the seamless execution of the initiative.
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Meanwhile, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, emphasised the economic advantages the highway will bring to the region and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining thorough security during the project’s implementation. Additionally, Tinubu’s government is pursuing significant road initiatives that link the state with the states of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna. Similarly, the national administration emphasises infrastructure initiatives, such as building dams in various areas, to promote sustainable progress, improve Irrigation systems, and produce hydroelectric energy to meet the region’s rising power needs.