The long awaited Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway Construction project has made a significant step as the Federal Government of Nigeria flagged off the construction of Section I of the project. This section is expected to stretch a distance of 120 kilometers. The flag off ceremony of the project was held on Thursday the 24th of October in Ilelah Town Sokoto state.
According to a statement that was released at the website of the Ministry of Works’ website, this road section will feature a total of six lanes. There will be three on each side that will be separated by landscaped medians. Additionally, they will be built with rigid concrete concrete pavement in order to enhance the road’s durability and long-term value.
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.
