By Joyce Onuora
The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, has inaugurated construction works on the Section II, Phase 2A of the 1,068-km Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway in Kebbi State.
The ceremony was performed by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, H.E. Nasir Idris, on behalf of the President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Gulumbe town of Birnin Kebbi LGA
In a press release signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations noted that the Minister described it as an unsolicited gigantic project, which was initially designed to start from Lagos by the then Shagari administration, adding that the present Administration changed its course to begin from Sokoto State. “We have to appreciate Mr President for this wonderful initiative and show of genuine love for the people of the North West region, in particular and the North, in general,” he added.
Describing the Superhighway as one of the four (4) Legacy Road Infrastructure Projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Engr. Umahi informed dignitaries at the official groundbreaking ceremony that the project, in addition, consists of the construction, also provision of dams, railway, solar street lighting and parking arcades. He buttressed that “these legacy projects are not just road infrastructure but investments that have very high yields on investment (ROI). It has sixty-eight (68) dams to stimulate a mega agricultural revolution within its corridor.”
Engr. Umahi, while disclosing that the State has a lion share of the length of the project (258 km.), solicited for the massive support of all the people of Kebbi State in the 2027 Presidential Election as a guarantee for the complete actualisation of the Superhighway and its attendant socioeconomic gains.
His Excellency, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State admitted that the people of the Northwest region are extremely excited about President Bola Tinubu’s decision to execute the project.
“Mr President, we thank you for being alive to your responsibilities as a leader of our great nation. This is a North West corridor to the North Central, South West and the Lagos – Calabar Costal Highway,” he stated. He added that “you have promised to be a President for all and we are grateful that you keep to your words. You have started a very big and important project that has never happened in the history of this nation. I am glad to state that you have not failed Nigerians.” He seized the opportunity to thank Mr President, members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for ensuring that the project sees the light of day.
The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Works and a former Governor of the State, H. E. (Sen.) Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi Central), on behalf of other Members of the NASS from the State, appreciated President Tinubu for the project, which government after government promised to execute but to no avail.
On his part, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, also a former Governor of the State, H.E. (Sen.) Atiku Bagudu recalled that President Tinubu, while campaigning pledged to execute the project and “today we are testifying to it.” He described the project as an investment not only for the present generation but future ones.
In his Remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Phd. described the event as a demonstration of Mr. President’s passion and speed to change the trajectory of infrastructure development in the country. He also acknowledged the support for the project by “a son of the soil,” H.E. (Sen.) Atiku Bagudu.
In a Goodwill Message at the occasion, the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman, Council of Chiefs in the State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Iliyasu-Bashar (Rtd.) appreciated the Federal Government for reviving the moribund project. The Emir, who was represented by the Emir of Argungu and the Vice Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Samaila-Mera, observed that the President would certainly leave behind an indelible legacy.
Speaking on the scope of the project, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Bakare Umar explained that Section II, Phase 2A begins at Km.120+000 and ends at Km.378+000 (Buya, the Kebbi/Niger State boundary). He also expressed that there is no doubt that the construction of the road will bring about rapid socioeconomic development to the Northern part of the country, affirming that the construction company that will handle it, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig.) Ltd had completed a similar and excellent job on the Apapa – Oshodi road and is also constructing the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway, using concrete technology.
The Director informed that the Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway (SBS) is a Trade, Transport and Security (TTS) Greenfield corridor, traversing Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States, geared towards reduced transportation cost in both maintenance and fares, improved trade, connectivity, efficiency, likewise economies of scale around and beyond it. He added that the multi-lane road will be of six (6) lanes, three (3) lanes on each side to be separated with beautiful median landscaping, street lighting and modern digital signages.
He went further to say that
“the corridor links the various existing inter – border towns and routes, providing quick access and improving the border areas for trade and security support, as well as enablement.
