Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; his Works counterpart, Senator Dave Umahi; and Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris, have praised President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the construction of the 1,068 Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
They spoke separately over the weekend during the inauguration of the Kebbi State section of the superhighway in Gulumbe. They said the project would bring economic prosperity to the state’s citizens, particularly farmers and traders along the road’s corridor.
Bagudu said the project was memorable because it fulfilled Tinubu’s campaign promise to be president of all parts of Nigeria by spreading infrastructure to all country zones.
“Mr President inaugurated the Lagos-Badagry Coastal Highway in Lagos in May. Now, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway’s construction has started from Ilela in Sokoto State and Gulumbe in Kebbi State,” he said.
He said the construction of the superhighway showed that the president was a visionary leader who decided to invest in the country’s future despite the prevailing economic challenges.
“Despite the current economic challenges, President Bola Tinubu has insisted on investing in the future of Nigeria by implementing infrastructural projects that would guarantee sustainable and inclusive economic development,” Bagudu said.
He congratulated the Kebbi State governor, saying his leadership had attracted significant federal infrastructure to the state in his short time in office. “This road will enhance economic activities, including agriculture, commerce and mining in Kebbi State,” they said.
Bagudu said the launch of the road construction in Ilela on Thursday was evidence of the improved security situation under President Tinubu’s watch, explaining that the area was unsafe until recently. “It shows we have turned the bend,” he stated.
Umahi enumerated the superhighway’s benefits, including improved security through lights and cameras. He also said it would enhance the construction of 68 dams for agricultural irrigation.
He explained that the Superhighway would be stone-based and have a red line to benefit people along the corridor.
Umahi said Tinubu had directed that the construction be speeded up so he could inaugurate some of its completed sections by next year.
Governor Idris, who represented President Tinubu, said it was a historic moment project that would serve the people’s economic interest.
“I wish to congratulate the people of my state for this massive road project. It will boost our agricultural activities as more dams will be built along the corridor,” he said.
He stated that the President had assured the Northwest Zone of more democratic dividends by providing developmental projects directly affecting people’s lives.
The project was conceived over 40 years ago during President Shehu Shagari’s administration but was abandoned by succeeding administrations.
