Stakeholders across Kwara and Niger states have commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the construction of the 1,000-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry superhighway.
Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Umaru Bago praised the project as evidence of the President’s commitment to driving socioeconomic growth.
The stakeholders spoke in Ilorin on Thursday during a stakeholders’ engagement session held to brief the public on the Kwara and Niger sections of the superhighway and to rally public support for it and other initiatives of the President.
At least 188 kilometres of the road pass through various Kwara communities, while 125 kilometres are on Niger land.
The stakeholders’ session, organized by the Federal Ministry of Works, was attended by Niger State Governor Umaru Bago; Kwara Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; federal and state parliamentarians including Kwara North’s Sadiq Umar; Minister of Youth Development Dr. Jamilah Bio; state cabinet members; royal fathers; industrialists led by Dr. Kamoru Yusuf of KAM Holdings; party stalwarts; community leaders; transport unions; farmers’ associations; civil society organisations; marketers associations; and the youths.
AbdulRazaq stated that the proposed road project attests to President Tinubu’s bold vision to develop infrastructure, which enhances national connectivity and helps grow the economy.
“What we are doing this afternoon is another testament to President Tinubu’s bold vision and further evidence that our country is striving to align development priorities and population growth with infrastructure that connects every part of Nigeria. The most important aspect is the President’s decision to make the people the centerpiece of this bold vision,” the governor, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 188 kilometres of the road traverse different towns and communities of Kwara State. The socioeconomic implications of this Renewed Hope Infrastructure Project for national connectivity and growth cannot be fully appreciated by this generation,” he added.
Governor Abdulrazaq applauded Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi for his expertise in managing this critical terrain and his political skills in navigating various challenges.
“This conversation has helped our people to own the initiative, and I assure Mr. President and his team that our people will give all the support needed to see it through,” said the Governor.
Governor Bago urged the people of Kwara and Niger to support the federal government and take ownership of the road projects, emphasizing that these projects are for their benefit.
“We need to tell our people that the government is not seizing their land; the federal government is bringing development to them. We are not going to pay one kobo for compensation because it is for their own good,” Bago said.
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The Governor advised locals to support the project because of its benefits and cautioned communities against disrupting contractors or demanding compensation.
Umahi commended the supportive roles of Governors AbdulRazaq and Bago, noting that the Ministry has 18 federal projects in Kwara State, with plans to prioritize those behind schedule.
“We will engage with the Governor, commissioner for works, the federal controller of works, and the ministry to review the projects and set priorities,” he added.
“Four projects are ongoing on a tax credit basis with BUA (in Kwara). They have assured me that these projects will be delivered as soon as possible. They are all government projects under President Tinubu. They are not social service projects from the company. We are funding them through a different funding mechanism.”
The Minister appreciated AbdulRazaq and Bago for hosting the engagement and their hospitality during the deliberations.
He also commended the roles of the Ministers of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi SAN and Dr. Bio in approving the construction of the Kaiama-Tesse-Kishi road.
“We just came from Kebbi yesterday, where we unveiled the Sokoto and Kebbi States segment. In the states where this legacy project will pass through, Kebbi has the highest length with 250km, Kwara is second with 188km, and Niger is third with 125km,” Umahi said.
“The Sokoto-Badagry road has been in the pipeline for the past 48 years. Successive administrations came and went without even completing a single kilometre. It remained a dream. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was proposed by President Tinubu when he was Governor of Lagos State 25 years ago. The President will accomplish all three legacy projects.
“We invite the governors to support the project. I am fortunate that the two governors are close friends of the President. So, I have no concerns regarding the project.”
Umahi specifically commended the accomplishments of Governor AbdulRazaq in Kwara and as the NGF chairman, saying: “Kwara is lucky to have Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. I have seen significant development since coming to town. He is not only doing great in Kwara, but he is also helping the President build good relationships with the governors. He is a very calm and humble man, and a silent achiever.”
Senate Committee Chairman on Works Barinada Mpigi condemned the rate of abandonment of road projects by contractors after they have been mobilized, stating that the Senate would not hesitate to sanction those who fail to return to the sites on time.
Alhaji Kamoru, in his goodwill message, said the project will be a significant relief to the entire nation in terms of logistics and travel time.