Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has pledged the timely completion of the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, a flagship project under President Bola Tinubu’s administration designed to accelerate socio-economic growth.
Goronyo gave the assurance on Friday while inspecting sections of the project across Binji and Silame Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
He commended the contractors’ performance, the security personnel safeguarding the sites, and the cooperation of local communities, which he said had ensured smooth execution of the project.
According to him, the road is being executed in phases, with completed sections to be inaugurated as work progresses.
The minister said the project, first conceived during the administration of the late President Shehu Shagari in the 1980s, is now being revived by Tinubu as a bold step to unlock Nigeria’s human and environmental potential.
“It is misleading to say the project has been stopped. Work is going on as designed. While construction continues here in Sokoto, other sections are ongoing in Kebbi and other states,” he said.
He stressed that no reports of security threats, damage or disputes with host communities had been recorded, noting that progress had been steady across all sections.
Goronyo explained that the superhighway is one of four legacy projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda, alongside the 750km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road Corridor, the 482km Trans-Saharan Road, and the 439km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road.
“The Sokoto–Badagry project, covering 1,068km, is being constructed as a concrete highway with lighting, CCTV cameras, health, traffic and security stations, and other facilities to ensure prompt emergency response,” he said.
He added that specialised contractors with global expertise had been engaged under standard procurement processes, assuring that the project would be delivered within specifications and on schedule.
Goronyo also commended the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for his support, and praised the contractors for their quality and speed.
He urged Nigerians to support the government’s infrastructure drive and take ownership of the road, saying it was ultimately for their benefit.
The 1,068km Sokoto–Badagry superhighway was inaugurated on Oct. 24, 2024, in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State as part of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen infrastructure and drive economic development.
(NAN)