President Tinubu Approves Construction of Sokoto-Badagry Highway

 

Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has greenlit the construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, a major infrastructure project that will span Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states. This initiative is part of the National Construction and Household Support Programme, aimed at stimulating economic growth and providing urgent relief to Nigerians.

Key Details of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway Project

• States Covered: Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos
• Significance: The highway is prioritized for its strategic importance in boosting agricultural productivity and connecting key economic zones.

National Economic Council (NEC) Meeting Highlights

During the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the need for state governors to collaborate in meeting citizens' needs. He assured them of his administration's support in alleviating hardship and driving economic development.

Broader Infrastructure Initiatives

Alongside the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, several other critical infrastructure projects are being prioritized:

• Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Currently under construction.
• Trans-Saharan Highway: Connecting Enugu, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja.
• Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway: Approved for full counterpart financing, traversing Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno.
• Ibadan-Abuja Segment of Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway: Connecting Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano.

Strategic Importance of the Sokoto-Badagry Highway

The Sokoto-Badagry Highway is crucial due to the agricultural and economic potential of the regions it traverses:

• Agricultural Communities: 216
• Dams: 58 large and medium
• Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones: 7
• Local Government Areas: 156
• Commercial Cities and Towns: 39
• Arable Land: Over one million hectares

Presidential Commitment to Food Production

President Tinubu underscored the urgency of enhancing food production and export capabilities, particularly through the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. He stated, "Sokoto-Badagry Highway is pivotal as the states within this axis form the food belt of the nation, with Badagry being an important artery for food export."

Call to Action for State Collaboration

The President called on states to deliver on necessary reforms and promised federal support in mechanizing agricultural processes and providing high-quality seedlings. He concluded, "Time is humanity’s most precious asset. You can never have enough of it. It is getting late. We are ready and able to support you."