The Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has flagged off the construction of the Durbawa-Maikujera road project, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural connectivity, and enhancing socio-economic development in Sokoto State.
The flag-off ceremony formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu in Sokoto.
Goronyo described the road project as a vital infrastructure intervention conceived and championed by the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
He said the project reflects purposeful leadership and a strong commitment to sustainable development.
He explained that roads are more than physical structures; they are economic lifelines that connect communities, reduce transportation costs, enhance trade, and improve access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
According to him, the project will directly benefit agrarian communities by improving access to markets, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing profitability for farmers and traders.
The Minister stated that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting ongoing federal infrastructure initiatives such as the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, both designed to strengthen national integration and economic development.
He also noted that progress on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Sokoto Road Corridor, which is being executed in phases, and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to balanced infrastructure development across all regions.
The Minister commended the Sokoto State Government for complementing federal efforts through strategic infrastructure investments, describing it as a strong example of cooperative governance that brings development closer to the people.
He urged communities along the project corridor to take ownership of the project by supporting contractors, cooperating with stakeholders, and protecting the infrastructure for long-term benefit.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ahmed Aliyu expressed delight at the commencement of the project, describing it as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, rural prosperity, and the transformation of the agricultural value chain in the state.
He said that since assuming office, his administration has prioritised infrastructure development, particularly road construction, resulting in the completion and commissioning of several township and inter-community roads across the state.
According to him, the project, valued at N9,521,064,133.33, is being executed under a partnership involving the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Sokoto State Government.
Governor Aliyu explained that the Durbawa–Mekujira corridor lies within the agricultural belt of the benefiting local government areas and holds significant economic importance.
He further stated that the collaboration between the Sokoto State Government, the World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Federal Government reflects the confidence reposed in his administration and its commitment to delivering impactful development projects.
He noted that upon completion, it will improve access to markets, facilitate the movement of goods and services, create economic opportunities, empower local communities, and significantly enhance rural development.
He expressed gratitude to all development partners for their continued support and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Galadanci, said the state government, through its Rural Road Development Programme, has constructed over 377 kilometres of roads across Sokoto State within the last three years.
He further disclosed that the government has also approved the design of 530 new roads as part of ongoing efforts to expand rural infrastructure and deepen development across communities in the state.
