President Bola Tinubu marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the official groundbreaking of the expansive 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project. The event, held at the project site in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State, saw Tinubu represented by Governor Ahmad Aliyu.
Emphasizing the project’s role in his Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu highlighted its importance for driving infrastructure development and boosting economic activity nationwide. “This project reflects a bold vision to expand infrastructure, enhance national connectivity, and stimulate economic growth,” Tinubu stated, adding that he is committed to projects that meet Nigeria’s growth needs and support its expanding population.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, detailed that this superhighway is one of four major highway projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving connectivity across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Other projects include the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the Calabar-Abuja superhighway, the 482km Trans-Saharan route, and the 439km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road.
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Umahi noted that the idea for the Lagos-Badagry superhighway has been in planning for 48 years, originally proposed during President Shehu Shagari’s era. He remarked that the start of construction under President Tinubu demonstrates a strong commitment to economic development and improved quality of life.
Designed as a concrete road, the superhighway will be equipped with lighting, CCTV surveillance, and health, traffic, and security stations to facilitate emergency response. Umahi assured that the project follows standard procurement processes with specialized contractors engaged for efficient delivery.
The first phase is projected to finish before 2027, spanning 120 kilometers in Sokoto and 258 kilometers in Kebbi, with further sections in Niger, Kwara, and other states. Umahi emphasized that “President Tinubu is committed to a unified nation, with infrastructure and services benefiting citizens across all regions.”
Umahi also acknowledged Sokoto state government’s support, urging local communities to back the initiative and avoid disruptions. “These projects extend beyond infrastructure; they are designed to boost the economy, agriculture, tourism, education, health, and more,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised the initiative but urged the government to prioritize road safety and security while considering railways as a strategic alternative for national progress.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries such as Minister of State for Works Bello Goronyo and Minister of Labour designate Maigari Dingyadi, marks a major step forward in Nigeria’s ambitious infrastructure plans.
