By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has earmarked about N3 trillion for the Sokoto and Kebbi axis of the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced.
Umahi disclosed this during an inspection of Section 1A of the project, a 40-kilometre stretch cleared in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across all regions.
Dispelling claims that the Northwest was being sidelined, Umahi said the superhighway project, alongside other ongoing works, was central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The initiative, he explained, seeks to modernise Nigeria’s road and rail networks, stimulate commerce, and connect communities nationwide.
Among the flagship “legacy projects” under construction are the 750km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road Corridor, the 1,068km Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the 482km Trans-Saharan Road, and the 439km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road.
Designed as concrete highways, these projects will feature modern facilities such as lighting, CCTV cameras, emergency response stations, and security outposts.
Umahi stressed that the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, which runs from Illela in Sokoto State to Badagry in Lagos, would revitalise trade and improve the quality of life across several states.
“By the end of 2026, 120 kilometres of the Sokoto section will be completed,” he assured.
He further revealed that the Northwest was receiving a major infrastructure push, with Kebbi State benefiting from projects worth N2 trillion and Sokoto State from N1 trillion within the superhighway budget. “This is unprecedented and a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to the region,” Umahi said.
He described the project as the realisation of a 48-year-old dream first envisioned by former President Shehu Shagari, noting that within five years it would become a landmark success.
The minister commended the contractors, Hightech Construction Company Ltd, as well as the military, police, DSS, and state authorities for creating an enabling environment for progress.
He also assured that no ongoing federal road projects, including those funded under the NNPCL tax credit scheme, would be abandoned.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, called the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway a “game changer” that would not only boost socio-economic activities in the region but also consolidate political goodwill for President Tinubu ahead of 2027.
Also speaking, Director of Bridges and Design at the ministry, Musa Sa’idu, said all alignments were chosen based on technical and environmental considerations, while Hightech’s representative, Mr. Dany Abboud, confirmed simultaneous work on Sections 1A and 1B with 10 kilometres already achieved on both.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northwest), Alhaji Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, expressed optimism that the project would attract investments, spur development, and reinforce the administration’s commitment to the Northwest.
(NAN)