, Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, says the government is){kind=link}
The Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, says the government is fully committed to the completion of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project and the development of the North-West.
Tanko-Yakasai stated this during the Sokoto state project site inspection visit, media tour and commissioning of emergency road repair projects by a delegation from the federal ministry of works.
He described the project as distinct and a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to uplift the lives of citizens
He noted that the superhighway project was initially conceived during late President Shehu Shagari’s regime in the 1980s now being actualised by President Tinubu. He urged Nigerians to give him the maximum support needed in the execution of the projects.
He listed the projects to include the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Corridor; 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry road, Calabar-Abuja superhighway, 482km Trans-Saharan road, and 439km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road.
Tanko-Yakasai commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for spearheading the execution of four legacy highway projects designed to improve road network and train service connectivity across the six geopolitical zones to boost socio-economic development.
Read Also: Minister Hails Nigerian Government’s Drive on Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway Project
Sokoto-Kebbi Superhighway Axis to Cost N3 Trillion- Minister
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Sokoto State Chapter, Mr Abubakar Ibrahim, said the quality of work along with the steady progress of the contract indicated President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing peoples lives especially in the rural areas.
”… the road will open up more opportunities and the quality of work will surely benefit Nigerians for a long period.”
Landmark Achievement
The Secretary of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Sokoto state, Dr Abdulrahman Umar, described the project as a landmark achievement that would enhance socio-economic activities in the nation.
Dr Umar stressed that the superhighway connects seven states from northern Nigeria to the southern region.
The Deputy Director, Civil Engineering in Sokoto State Ministry of Works, Alhaji Chika Abbas, said the project would surely uplift the lives of the people and support state government efforts.
The Project Manager from HITECH Construction company, Engr. Johon Fourie, expressed appreciation to community residents and leaders for their support to site workers. He highlighted the the cordial relationship they had with the community.
Engr. Fourie said they engaged locals on various jobs ensuring local contents for manpower and other associated works in the execution of the project.
He added that clearance, concrete pavement laying, installation of solar lighting and other works were ongoing to ensure speedy delivery of the project across all the six sites concurrently.
Legacy Project
In his address, the Federal Controller of Works in charge of Sokoto state, Mr Kassimu Maigwandu, said the project covers 120 kilometres in parts of Sokoto state axis and it encompasses six lane concrete road, bridges, solar lighting system and railway.
Maigwandu explained that the project was also designed with installment of CCTV cameras, health post, strategic security stations and other facilities to enhance prompt response to emergencies.
He said the project is being executed in phases and sections touching different communities.
The Controller explained that the legacy project was more than infrastructure but meant for rejuvenating economic, agriculture, tourism, education, health and other benefits to the citizens.
A community resident, Alhaji Halliru Alfada, expressed appreciation to the President for executing the projects.
” Residents mostly engage in raining season farming and they face difficulties in transporting their harvests, with the present road network, dams and other facilities, residents will engage in dry season farming and smoothly transport thier harvests to markets,” he explained.
The 1,068 kilometres Sokoto-Badagry road was inaugurated on Oct. 24, 2024 in Illela LGA, and is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at encouraging infrastructure development and uplifting socio-economic activities in the country.