The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the Sokoto and Kebbi axis of the superhighway project will gulp about N3 trillion out of the total project cost.
Umahi said this while inspecting Section 1A of the ongoing superhighway project covering 40 kilometres in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
He dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had neglected the Northwest in project execution, stressing that the region is receiving the largest share of infrastructure spending.
The Minister said; “The legacy highway projects are part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to improve road network and train service connectivity across the six geopolitical zones, to boost socio-economic development.
“Projects 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.
“The projects are designed as concrete roads with lighting, CCTV cameras, health, traffic and security stations, and other facilities to enhance prompt response to emergencies.”
He explained that the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, starting from Illela in Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos, was a testimony of President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing lives and rejuvenating socio-economic activities nationwide.
He said; “All the projects are ongoing and the President has assured they will be completed within the stipulated periods. Before 2026, 120 kilometres from this axis will be completed.
“The Northwest has the highest share when it comes to infrastructure provision by the present administration, as Kebbi has about N2 trillion, while Sokoto has N1 trillion of this Sokoto–Badagry superhighway project.
“This is worthy of commendation and deserves more support for President Tinubu and his administration.”
The Minister noted that the project was a 48-year-old dream of former President Shehu Shagari being actualised by President Tinubu, with completion expected within five years.
He stressed that the President had directed that no project, including those under the NNPCL tax credit scheme, should be halted.
Umahi commended Hightech Construction Company Limited for its work, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies for ensuring smooth progress.
He also praised the Sokoto State Government and host communities for their support.
The Minister of State for Works, Mr Bello Goronyo, described the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway as a “game changer,” saying the Northwest has immensely benefited from President Tinubu’s initiatives.
Goronyo said; “The project is enough to attract more votes to Tinubu in 2027, and more projects are springing up in various parts of the country, including the Northwest region.”
The Director of Bridges and Design at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr Musa Sa’idu, said the project was being executed in accordance with specifications, noting that alignments were carefully considered based on site conditions.
Representative of the contracting firm, Mr Dany Abboud, said “work was ongoing on 10 kilometres of both Sections 1A and 1B simultaneously, adding that 10 kilometres had already been achieved.”
He emphasised that the company was working in harmony with government officials and community members.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northwest), Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, expressed optimism that the project would attract investments, stimulate growth and uplift social development in the region.
He said; “The President has demonstrated that he is for the Northwest by siting key infrastructural projects and other programmes in the region, while also ensuring similar developments in other zones across the country.
We reassure more votes for the President in the 2027 elections and urge Nigerians to support Tinubu’s good vision for national progress and development.”
PIAK