Umahi: Sokoto–Kebbi superhighway to cost N3trn

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, says the Sokoto and Kebbi axis of the ongoing superhighway project will cost about N3 trillion.

Umahi disclosed this on Friday while inspecting a 40-kilometre section of the project in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

He dismissed claims that the Tinubu administration had sidelined the Northwest in its infrastructure plans, insisting that the region has received the largest share of ongoing federal projects.

According to him, the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, which starts from Illela in Sokoto and stretches to Lagos, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at boosting connectivity, trade, and socio-economic development across the country.

“The legacy highway projects include the 750km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, the 1,068km Sokoto–Badagry Road, the Calabar–Abuja superhighway, the 482km Trans-Saharan Road, and the 439km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road.

“These are being built as concrete roads with streetlights, CCTV cameras, health and traffic response stations, and other facilities to ensure safety and quick emergency response,” he said.

Umahi noted that the Sokoto axis alone would cost about N1 trillion, while Kebbi’s share amounts to N2 trillion.

He added that the first 120km section in Sokoto would be completed before the end of 2026.

He further described the project as the fulfilment of a 48-year-old vision first conceived under the administration of late President Shehu Shagari.

“In five years, this project will be fully completed and will stand as one of President Tinubu’s most transformative legacies,” he said.

The minister commended Hightech Construction Company, the military, police, DSS, and other security agencies for ensuring smooth progress on site.

He also praised the Sokoto State Government and host communities for their cooperation.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, described the highway as a “game changer” for the Northwest, saying it would boost Tinubu’s political goodwill ahead of 2027.

Director of Bridges and Design at the ministry, Musa Sa’idu, said the road alignment was carefully chosen to address peculiar terrain challenges.

Similarly, Dany Abboud, a representative of the contracting firm, revealed that work is ongoing on two 10-kilometre sections simultaneously, with significant progress already recorded.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northwest), Alhaji Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, expressed optimism that the highway would attract fresh investments, stimulate growth, and improve the region’s socio-economic outlook.