The Nigerian Government has approved the release of funds to compensate individuals and communities whose lands and homes were affected by the ongoing construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway in Kebbi State.
Minister of Works, David Umahi disclosed this during an inspection visit to the project site in Gulumbe Village, Kebbi State.
The 258-kilometre road project, valued at over ₦1.2 trillion, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
According to Umahi, “the project has recorded remarkable progress and is expected to significantly enhance the socio-economic development of Northern Nigeria.”
“The Nigerian Government has made provision for compensation, and we assure affected communities that their interests are protected,” he said.
The Minister further assured that 50 kilometres of the road in Kebbi State would be completed and commissioned by May next year.
The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement (North West Zone), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, described the project as one of the legacy achievements of the current administration.
“This road will transform commerce and trade not just for Nigeria but for the entire subregion,” Yakasai stated.
The highway is also expected to strengthen the economies of neighbouring African countries, including Niger, Mali, and Togo.
The Kebbi State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works, Ishia Vandu, reported that the section between Kilometre 137 and Kilometre 177 is almost completed, marking a major milestone in the project timeline.
PIAK