Joel Ajayi 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure with far-reaching socio-economic benefits as construction continues on the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, a flagship project under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Super Highway is one of the four (4) Legacy Road Projects being embarked upon by the present Administration.

Speaking on the National Media Tour and Commissioning of Emergency/Intervention Project in Kebbi State on Tuesday, 21 January 2026, the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed, revealed that the tour was organised to enable stakeholders, the media, and the general public to directly assess the scale, quality, and progress of ongoing works – particularly sections of the superhighway with significant impact on communities in Kebbi State.

It is also intended to gauge public perceptions on the provision of road infrastructure by the Federal Government, he added.

The Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Ishaya Vandu, explained that the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, which runs from Ilelah-Sokoto to Badagry-Lagos, traverses Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States, and is designed to stimulate national integration and economic development.

Describing the project as a “dream come true,” Engr. Vandu recalled that the highway was first conceived during the administration of the late President Shehu Shagari, and is now being brought to reality under the leadership of President Tinubu, many decades after. According to him, significant construction milestones have been achieved.

These include the commencement of Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) works between Kilometre 177 and Kilometre 170, covering a full-width, three-lane, dual-carriageway with a central median over a seven-kilometre stretch. Earthworks have progressed up to Kilometre 135, while site clearance is ongoing on the remaining 17 kilometres between Kebbi and Sokoto States.

He further disclosed that soil stabilisation works, using lateritic materials mixed with stone and cement, have been completed over approximately 25 kilometres, with reinforcement works currently ongoing. Additional construction teams are also working from Kilometre 348, where about 10 kilometres of site clearance have already been done. He expressed optimism that substantial progress would be recorded before the second quarter of the year.

Reacting to the quality of work, the Immediate Past Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Kebbi Branch, Engr. Adamu Idris, described the project as exceptional, noting that despite his years of professional experience, he had not seen a road project of such grandeur and quality.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Kebbi Branch, Engr. Muhammed Nadeem Abdullahi, praised the project as “truly a superhighway,” commending the President for his foresight and urging the contractor to sustain the current pace and standard of work.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Kebbi State, led by Comrade Mansir Isah, applauded the Federal Government for the project, noting its positive impact on local communities, particularly in job creation for residents.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement (North-West Zone), Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, dismissed claims circulating on social media that the project was non-existent, stressing that the reality on the ground clearly contradicts such narratives.

He commended President Tinubu’s courage and determination in reviving a project conceived over four decades ago to connect Northern and Southern Nigeria, enhance economic activities, and promote national coexistence.

Hon. Yakasai also highlighted key features of the State Super Highway, including solar-powered street lighting to enhance safety and security, construction of dams and rail infrastructure along the corridor to support agriculture, electricity generation, commerce and trade, as well as the efficient movement of people, goods, and services.

He noted that the Kebbi axis, spanning more than 250 kilometres, is the longest section of the alignment and is already generating employment and other economic opportunities for the host communities.

During the tour, three Emergency/Special Intervention road projects were also commissioned. They include the Repairs of Flooded Washout Embankments and Desilting of Blocked Drains along the Jega–Koko–Yauri and Malando (Nigeria-Niger Republic Border-Route A1) in Kebbi State, commissioned by Comrade Mansir Isah, member of a Civil Society Organisation (CSO).

Also commissioned was an Emergency/Special Intervention project, which addressed damages caused by floods along the Birnin Kebbi–Argungu–Kaniyaka (Kebbi-Sokoto State Border) Road, as well as the Rehabilitation of Flood-Affected Sections (Bunza–Kamba) along the Kalgo–Bunza–Kamba Road in Kebbi State.

The Federal Ministry of Works reiterated its untiring commitment to ensuring quality, durability, and timely delivery of all road infrastructure projects nationwide, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration of enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.

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