The federal government of Nigeria on Thursday unveiled the dualisation of the 1,068 kilometres of road in the Illela local government of Sokoto State.
The road which starts from Illela town of Illela Local Government in Sokoto, is expected to pass through seven states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states respectively, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Limited.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, described the projects as very dear to his heart.
The governor in his remarks commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for his commitment in bringing the projects to reality.
He also commended Tinubu for choosing a man of his word and a dedicated person as his minister for works.
While appreciating the president for the construction of the road, the governor assured that his administration will ensure that there is adequate security for personnel working on the road to ensure its speedy completion.
“We the people of this state, we are indebted to the President for his continuing support to our people from distribution of fertilizers to the food palliatives for our people, ” he said.
The governor also commended the President for giving the state an additional ministerial slot, which he said is part of his love for the people of the state.
Aliyu also commended the President for dealing with insecurity in the state since the directives were given to the Minister for the state for Defence, which he said has contributed in no small way to the security of the state.
He said the people of the state will give the President more votes than expected in 2027 general elections to ensure he returns to office and continues his good work.
Also speaking, the Minister for works, David Umahi, said the flag off of the road is one of the four legacies projects which is over 3,000 kilometers of road by the current administration.
“Let me tell you that this project, the Northern territory has 52 per cent while the entire South has 48 per cent.
“When we assumed office in 2023, we inherited over 2,000 kilometres of road and Mr President is committed to delivering all the roads,” he said.
He said the Sokoto – Badagry road project was first initiated by President Shehu Shagari about 48 years ago, and has six-lanes which will enable it to have low traffic jams.
“We must appreciate Mr President for the road and the work he is doing, we assure you that we will finish it, the first phase will finish in 2027 and if you want the second phase to continue, you know what to do.
“The super highway will be designed with solar power streetlight, CCTV camera among other technologies as it is being done in other parts of the world, it is only President Bola Tinubu that can do it and we are already on it,” he said.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, commended the federal government for the construction of the road.
He however appealed to the federal government to also put the welfare of the citizens at heart which he said is also very important to the survival of the people.
He further appealed to the Minister of Works, to expedite actions on the Sokoto to Zaria road which he said is very dear to the people of the state.
Abubakar also called on the federal government to work with the governors of each of the states to cooperate in the speedy completion of the road, while assuring that he will monitor the progress of the road himself.
He further called on the federal government to make provision for railway transport from Sokoto to Lagos, “since 2015, we have been demanding for this, we deserve railway transportation in this state and I will continue to disturb Mr President on it.”
In his remarks, the Minister for Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, described the road as a very important road for the people of the country.
He said, “We are in Illela to flag off the Illela to Badagry super highway, which is a promise kept by Mr President and part of his renewed hope agenda.
“Nobody demanded Illela to Badagry road or Lagos – Calabar superhighway , but it was out of the desire of Mr President to improve on our infrastructure in the country.
“Mr President is a believer in the country and he is proving to Nigerians that his interests and desire is to improve on the infrastructure development of the country.”
The Minister further commended Tinubu for his developmental plans while assuring him that the people of Sokoto and Kebbi States will forever remain grateful to him.
Also speaking, the former Governor of Kebbi State and Senator representing Kebbi Central, Senator Adamu Aliero, said the road was first initiated about 48 years ago.
He said the road will be a game changer for travellers from Sokoto to Lagos, as it will also improve the economy of the country.
Aliero, further appealed to President Tinubu, to consider railway construction from Ilella to Lagos to further contribute to the development of the country.
He however assured that the Senate will continue to give adequate support to complete not only the Illela to Badagry road but all other legacy projects embarked upon by the Tinubu-led administration.
The Minister for the State for Works, Bello Goronyo, said the Sokoto – Badagry road is so dear to the heart of President Tinubu and he is committed to bringing it to reality.
He said the road will improve the economic development of the country as more jobs will surely be created with the road.
In his remarks, the Minister for Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, described the day as a very important day for the people of the country.
“We are in Illela to flag off the Illela to Badagry super highway, which is a promise kept by Mr President and part of his renewed hope agenda.
The Minister further commended Tinubu for his developmental plans while assuring him that the people of Sokoto and Kebbi States will forever remain grateful to him.
Also speaking, the chairman Senate Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aliero, said the road was first initiated about 48 years ago.
He said the road will be a game changer for travellers from Sokoto to Lagos, as it will also improve the transportation sector.
Aliero, further appealed to Tinubu to consider railway construction from Sokoto to Lagos to further contribute to the development of the country. (PUNCH)
