News

Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway: CCTV, Streetlights to Enhance Safety for Road Users and Host Communities

Published

8 months ago

January 22, 2026

Joel Aajyi

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, durable, and economically transformative road infrastructure with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, a landmark project designed to enhance national integration, trade, and security.

As part of measures to guarantee the safety of road users and communities along its corridors, the project incorporates modern infrastructure features, such as a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system and street lighting.

Providing background on the project on Wednesday, 21 January, 2026, the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Engr. Kasimu Maigwandu, explained that the Super Highway originates from Illela in Sokoto State, at the Nigeria–Niger Republic border, traversing Kebbi State in the North-West Zone, Niger and Kwara States in the North-Central, and terminates at Badagry in Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria.

According to him, the project, which ranks among the most economically influential infrastructure investments in the country, aims at facilitating the efficient movement of people, goods, and services within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries such as Niger and the Benin Republic, while ensuring safer, faster, and joyful transportation.

Engr. 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.

Speaking on the progress of work, the Project Manager, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited, Mr. Joharn Fohan Foucice, confirmed that construction is progressing smoothly without major challenges, assuring Nigerians of the contractor’s commitment to quality workmanship and timely delivery.

During a Media Tour of the project site, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, reassured host communities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s resolve to provide adequate security to enable uninterrupted and speedy completion of the project. “As you can see, there is a strong security presence around this project,” he emphasised.

Hon. 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.

He further explained that the concrete-paved Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway will strengthen unity and connectivity between the North-West and other regions of the country, thereby accelerating socioeconomic growth.

“This road will link Ilelah, Sokoto directly to Badagry in Lagos. There are dams along the corridor that will support all-year-round farming, boost agricultural activities, and improve economic prosperity, especially in the North-West Zone with vast arable land,” he stated.

The SSA-P

appreciated President Tinubu, the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. for their extraordinary leadership and zeal in the provision of roads and bridges, noting that construction is ongoing seamlessly and simultaneously across six points on the alignment.

Also present during the inspection were the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Sokoto Branch, Engr. Abubakar Yahaya, and a Civil Society representative, Dr. Abdul Umar, who commended the contractor and the Ministry for strict adherence to quality standards. They highlighted the importance of the project’s engineering design, noting that the 20-centimetre concrete pavement thickness strictly conforms to specifications in the Bill of Quantities, ensuring durability, longevity, and value for money.

In a related development, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, Comrade Muhammed Nasir Bello, on behalf of the Chairman, commissioned Emergency Repair works on the Sokoto–Tambuwal–Jega Road (Route A1), as well as Reinstatement of Washouts and Failed Sections at KM 33+050, KM 33+500, and KM 67+200 along the Sokoto–Jega–Kebbi State Border Road.

The Federal Government has urged communities along the project’s corridor to continue cooperating with the Contractor to ensure the smooth execution and timely completion of this historic national investment.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

10 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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