Dave Umahi: Sokoto–Kebbi Superhighway to Cost N3 Trillion

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has disclosed that the Sokoto and Kebbi sections of the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway will cost about N3 trillion.

Umahi made the revelation on Friday during an inspection of a 40-kilometre stretch (Section 1A) of the ongoing project in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. He dismissed speculation that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had sidelined the Northwest in its infrastructure drive.

“The legacy highway projects are part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to improve road networks and train service connectivity across the six geopolitical zones, to boost socio-economic development,” Umahi said.

He listed the key projects under the initiative to 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.

According to him, these roads will be constructed with concrete, lighting, CCTV cameras, health, traffic and security stations to ensure swift responses to emergencies.

Describing the Sokoto–Badagry superhighway — which stretches from Illela in Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos — as a major testament to Tinubu’s commitment to development, Umahi added:

“Before the end of 2026, the 120 kilometres of superhighway project from the Sokoto axis will be completed. Northwest has the highest share when it comes to infrastructure provision by the present administration as Kebbi has about N2 trillion while Sokoto N1 trillion of this Sokoto–Badagry superhighway project. This is worthy of commendation and deserves more support to the president and his administration.”

Umahi described the project as the fulfilment of a 48-year-old dream first conceived by late President Shehu Shagari. He stressed that Tinubu had directed him to ensure that no federal projects — including those under the NNPC Limited’s tax credit scheme — were abandoned.

He commended Hightech Construction Company Ltd, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the DSS, and other security agencies for facilitating smooth execution of the project. He also praised the Sokoto State Government and host communities for their cooperation.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, described the project as a “game changer” for the Northwest, adding that Tinubu’s projects in the region could translate into strong electoral support in 2027.

Mr. Musa Sa’idu, Director of Bridges and Design at the ministry, said the project was being executed according to specifications, with route alignments carefully chosen based on initial assessments.

Mr. Dany Abboud, representing the contractors, confirmed that work was ongoing on 10 kilometres each of Sections 1A and 1B, and significant progress had been made.

Alhaji Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northwest), said the project would stimulate investments, drive economic growth, and enhance social development in the region.