Updated September 12, 2025: Nigeria’s Federal Government has announced plans to construct what could become Africa’s first underwater tunnel to connect the ongoing Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry highways. Speaking during an inspection tour in Lagos on Wednesday, David Umahi, the minister of works, said the tunnel will run for 2.9 kilometres, connecting Ahmadu Bello Way to Snake Island and extending to Badagry. “Our tunnel is inside the ground. It’s going to be 2.9 kilometres. When done, it’s going to be the first tunnel in Africa inside water,” Umahi said. The minister explained that the project would be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, using land resources around Snake Island and Badagry to fund the initiative.
October 26, 2024: The Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway Project took a significant step forward as the Federal Government of Nigeria flagged off the construction of Section I in Ilelah Town, Sokoto State. The ceremony marked the official commencement of works on this long-awaited project. The section is designed to cover a stretch of 120 kilometers. According to details published on the Ministry of Works’ website, this first section will feature a six-lane design, with three lanes on each side separated by landscaped medians. The road will be constructed using rigid concrete pavement to ensure durability and enhance its long-term value.
The Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway stands as one of Nigeria’s flagship transport projects, alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which is projected to span 1,000 kilometers and further strengthen the nation’s road network.
Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway Construction Project Factsheet
Name: Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway
Length: 1,068 kilometers
Developer/Contractor: Hitech
Cost: Approximately over $7.9 billion
Significance: cut transportation costs, boost trade, enhancing connectivity, improve efficiency and economies of scale.
Also read: President Tinubu to Inaugurate the 1000-km Sokoto-Badagry Coastal Highway
Developer of the Project
According to the Minister of Works David Umahi, Hitech was chosen for the implementation of the section of this road section. The company was selected due to its ability to meet deadlines and specifications supported by cutting edge equipment and skilled manpower. Moreover, he also noted that this company has delivered similar projects successfully. The projects include Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos and is also currently working on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The Minister revealed that, “The selection of the choice of the rigid pavement (the concrete in its design and construction) is informed by its longevity,” he commented,” As for that of Hitech is premised by the company’s capacity to deliver basing on specifications and as scheduled due to the availability of cutting-edge equipment and skilled expertise.” Hitech has delivered similar work on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos. Moreover, it is also doing the same good work on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project,” the statement concluded.
It was also pointed out that this mega road project breaks a 48-year jinx. It had been initially conceived during the former President Shehu Shagari administration.
The Highway to Serve as Trade, Transport, and Security (TTS) Greenfield Corridor
This 1,068-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project will serve as a Trade, Transport, and Security (TTS) Greenfield corridor. This was revealed at the flag off ceremony by Engr. Bakare Umar who is the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation. He was seconded by Eng. Musa Seidu who represented the Director of Highways, Bridges and Design.
This road is expected to pass through multiple states namely: Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and eventually end in Lagos. Furthermore, the statement also pointed out this highway is set to connect the existing inter-border routes and towns. This will therefore facilitate quick access, and also strengthen the existing border settlements. This will be achieved by supporting trade, security, and regional integration.
