By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Government has said the ongoing construction of 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway will drive economic growth at all levels.
Kasimu Maigwandu, the federal controller of works in Sokoto state, made the statement during the inspection of the project, on Thursday.
He said the project which starts from Illela in Sokoto State, at the Nigeria–Niger Republic border, span Kebbi State in the North-West Zone, Niger and Kwara States in the North-Central, and terminates at Badagry in Lagos State, South-West of the country.
Maigwandu explained that the project aims at facilitating the efficient movement of people, goods, and services within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries such as Niger and the Benin Republic, with safer, faster, and joyful transportation
In addition, he said the project will guarantee the safety of road users and communities along its corridors, incorporates modern infrastructure features, such as a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system and street lighting.
Maigwandu noted that the road cuts across numerous markets, cities, rural communities, and agricultural hubs – an intervention expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, stimulate commerce, create employment opportunities, and strengthen national security and integration.
He disclosed that construction activities are progressing steadily at several locations, including Katami, Silame, Gande, Bunkari, Gada, Madi, and Illela, adding that modern construction techniques such as Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology and integrated solar street lighting are being deployed to ensure durability and enhanced safety for road users.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Yakasai, reassured host communities of the government’s resolve to provide adequate security to enable uninterrupted and speedy completion of the project.
Yakasai expressed that the efforts and presence of security personnel have been critical to the smooth execution of the works, noting that contractors would not have been able to operate effectively without adequate security support. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for ensuring that, despite the security challenges in the region, work has continued uninterrupted since its commencement,” he added.
On the progress of work, the Project Manager, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited, Mr. Joharn Foucice, confirmed that construction is progressing smoothly without major challenges, assuring Nigerians of the contractor’s commitment to quality workmanship and timely delivery.
