Construction Of Sokoto/ Badagry Super Highway Begins Next Month–Umahi
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
The construction of Sokoto to Badagry1000km super highways is to be flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu next month, the Minister for Works, Engr David Umahi has informed.
Engr.Umahi informed the gathering of eminent personalty in the State led by the State Governor, Comrade Nasiru Idris at the State Presidential Banquet hall that the 120km section of the road lay in Sokoto State while 258km of the road passes through Kebbi State.
He told the gathering that President Tinubu had directed him to come to Kebbi with your Minister and Members of the National Assembly from the State to unveil the scope of the project which is the old West African Trade Route.
He explained that Processes are in progress for the commencement of the construction of the 1000km Sokoto – Badagry six lane Super Highway which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to flag-off the construction work in the month of August, 2024.
“The super highway extends to Illela border town with Niger Republic in Sokoto State and down to Badagry in Lagos state, adding that the Sokoto – Badagry corridor is having 53 dams that would be developed for Agriculture, electricity and serves as trade routes with other African countries.
“The Super Highway like the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway, is an investment venture for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
“There are lots of benefits, inherent in the road project, such as security, tourism, smooth transportation and industrial growth”, the Minister added.
Umahi also talked on the construction of the 55km Gadar Zaima – Zuru road in Kebbi State of which only 6km has been repaired.
He remarked that although it was an NNPC project, the progress of work has not been good.
“I have invited the contractor to Abuja for explanation, it has been the behaviour of International contractors to abandon work after collecting payment, we will no longer tolerate this unbecoming attitude.
“Any contractor who is given project but could not do it, the Federal Government will revoke the contract and reward it to another company, we want to encourage our local contractors.” He said clearly.
The Minister explained that the Federal Government is also looking into the 87km Koko – Mahuta – Dabai road of which only 6km was reconstructed.
“I have the power to revoke the contract, the Governor recommended revoking the work and allowing the Kebbi State Government to carry out the work and seek for reimbursement.
“The Governor can lobby the President to seek for refund, you are dear to him”, Umahi advised the governor.
The Minister said the Federal Government was also not happy about the pace of work on the Malando – Warrah road, explaining that appropriate action would be applied as remedy.
“There’s 55km Argungu – Natsini road and the Jega – Kwanar Sanagi – Kebbe road which is not encouraging.
“The North must begin to enjoy concrete roads that will last up to between 50 to 100 years, adding that from now, only contractors with the right equipment capable for building concrete roads would be engaged for road projects.
“This is part of the Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructural Projects of President Tinubu”, Umahi emphasised.
The Director, Federal Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Bede Obioha, informed participants at the gathering that the Sokoto – Badagry Six lane Super Highway would start from Illela – Tangaza – Binji – Gwadabawa – Silame in Sokoto State.
From Argungu in Kebbi State, the road stretches to Ambursa – Birnin Kebbi – Bunza – Dakingari – Kamba extending to other Niger and Kwara states up to Badagry.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, affirmed the support of traditional rulers to the road construction, assuring that they would mobilise their people towards successful completion of the project.
Former Kebbi State Governor, Sa’idu Dakingari and former Governor, present Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, commended President Tinubu for executing the road project which was init
