The construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is making significant progress, with work currently underway on the first 120km section in Sokoto State, according to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Nigeria, aiming to enhance road transportation across the country. The first 120km of the project is being constructed in Sokoto, where concrete is being used by the construction company, Hitech.
Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, Minister Umahi assured the public that work on the project was progressing as planned. “It has been procured, and work is going on by Hitech, using concrete,” he said, adding that the project was moving steadily.
The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway will stretch across several states, with a significant portion also being developed in Kebbi. “The Kebbi section, which spans 250km, is also under construction,” Umahi confirmed.
The Federal Government is confident that it will be able to complete at least 20km in the Sokoto section and 20km in the Kebbi section by May 29, 2025. Umahi expressed optimism about the timeline for these milestones. “We believe strongly that we will be able to have about 20km in both sections to commission by May 29, 2025,” he said.
The development of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is a part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision to improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure. Umahi commended the president for prioritising road projects despite the economic challenges the country faces. “The President has given very serious attention to road infrastructure,” Umahi stated.
Umahi also praised President Tinubu’s initiative in launching projects that would connect key economic corridors and improve the transport system in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. “This coastal highway, along with the four legacy projects, all have train tracks incorporated,” he revealed.
According to Umahi, the construction of the train track for the Sokoto-Badagry section is expected to begin in 2025. The inclusion of the rail track is part of an integrated transport plan that aims to boost both road and rail connectivity across the country. “We believe strongly that the President is going to give Nigerians the road infrastructure they have been yearning for,” Umahi added.
Umahi also provided details about the plans for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, another major road project that is linked to the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will feature several modern amenities, including lay-bays for resting and surveillance, which are expected to improve safety along the route.
“We are going to plant trees and, of course, we are going to also have some lay-bays,” Umahi explained. “In every five kilometers, we will have a lay-bay where we connect all our CCTV cameras, and then, we have vehicles and the security within the cabin there, so that the response time will be like 10 minutes.”
This approach is designed to enhance safety and reduce response times for any emergencies along the highway, offering a high level of security for motorists and passengers.
During a recent tour of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi also revealed that the project would be scaled back from the original design of 10 lanes to a more cost-effective six lanes. “We are reviewing the project from 10 lanes to six lanes at a lower cost,” he explained, stressing the importance of ensuring the project remains financially viable while still meeting the country’s infrastructure needs.
The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is a key part of Nigeria’s long-term infrastructure plan, and its successful completion is expected to significantly enhance the nation’s transport network. The project is not only focused on road development but also includes provisions for other forms of transport, including railways, to create an integrated transport system across the country.
The Federal Government’s commitment to completing the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is seen as a crucial step towards improving the movement of goods and people across Nigeria. This is expected to have far-reaching impacts on economic development, particularly in terms of reducing transportation costs, boosting trade, and improving access to markets across the country.
The President’s push to make road infrastructure a priority is in line with his broader vision of boosting Nigeria’s economic growth through better connectivity and improved infrastructure. With ongoing construction and plans for future expansion, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is expected to be a transformative project for Nigeria’s transport sector.
Minister Umahi’s remarks reflect the government’s strong focus on infrastructure as a key driver of national development. As the project moves forward, Nigerians are hopeful that it will not only improve the road network but also create job opportunities, improve safety, and reduce traffic congestion on major highways.
The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is one of the flagship projects in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and its successful completion would mark a significant achievement in Nigeria’s quest to modernise its infrastructure and enhance economic growth.
As the Federal Government works to meet the target of completing 20km in each of the sections by May 2025, all eyes will be on the progress of the construction and the impact it will have on the country’s transport system.
