Nigerian Minister of Works, Senator (Engr) Nweze David Umahi has described contract for the construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway as forty-eight year jinx broken and a show of love for the Northern part of the country by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Umahi disclosed this at the flag off ceremony for construction works on the Section I, Phase 1A of the project in Ilelah town, Sokoto State on Thursday, 24th October, 2024.
Explaining to the gathering how the contract broke the 48years jinx, the Minister said that the idea of the project was first muted during the first tenure of former President Shehu Shagari but could not be started earlier than the present.
He also described it as a payback to the people of Sokoto for the massive support given to the Tinubu Presidency at the 2023 polls, while also soliciting for same and much more during the 2027 elections.
He revealed that this is an epoch-making event and as a manifestation of one of the Legacy Projects of Mr. President, spanning over 2,000 km with the North having 52% and the South 48.
According to the statement released by the Ministry, Umahi disclosed that the choice of rigid pavement i.e. concrete in its design and construction is informed by longevity.
“While that of the contractor, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig.) Ltd promised on capacity to deliver according to specifications and on schedule due to availability of both brand new equipment and requisite manpower.
“It has done a similar pavement work on the Apapa – Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State and is doing same on the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway”, the Minister added.
While appreciating the commitment, support of Members of the National Assembly for the President’s infrastructure renaissance, Umahi equally thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the promise to provide security for the entire stretch of the corridor, till the work lasts.
In welcoming guests at the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Sokoto State and Commissioner of Works, Hon. Idris Mohammed Danchadi alluded the project to “a dream come true” for the loyal people of the State.Briefing the massive crowd at the Ceremony, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Bakare Umar and the representative of Director, Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Musa Seidu described the 1,068-kilometre Superhighway as a Trade, Transport and Security (TTS) Greenfield corridor.
Which they said traversing Sokoto state through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminating in Lagos State. They opined that the project seeks to reduce transportation costs, improve trade, connectivity, efficiency and economies of scale around the corridor and beyond.
The 120-kilometre, 6-lane highway, 3 lanes on each side to be separated with beautiful median landscaping, solar street lighting and modern digital signages.
They added that the highway will link various existing inter-border towns and routes, provide quick access, enhance border settlements for trade, security support and enablement.
The length of Section I, Phase 1A starts from Km. 0 + 000 (Ilelah, Sokoto State) and ends at Silame on the Sokoto/Kebbi State border, according to them.
