Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight in approving the 1,000 km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
The Farmer Governor gave the commendation during a stakeholders’ engagement for the Niger and Kwara segment of the project held in Ilorin, to discuss the proposed alignments and help communities along the routes understand the project’s potential that would enhance economic competitiveness and national prosperity.
He noted that the Renewed Hope agenda of the President has indeed rekindled the hope of Nigerians.
The farmer Governor said the road project when completed will greatly engender socio-economic development and bring prosperity to the people in the two States.
He further stated that both Niger and Kwara State governments, would handle the issues of compensation to the people where necessary, in appreciation to the Federal government for approving the project.
The farmer Governor called on the youth and women on the project corridor to use the opportunity to engage in meaningful venture that would earn them money.
He equally used the opportunity to reiterate the prosperity that abounds in Agriculture, adding that his administration is determined to feed the nation and beyond in line with the Federal government policy on Agriculture.
The farmer Governor said the State has signed series of multi-billion Naira partnerships on Agriculture with various international and national organisations including Lagos State government, said the country needs to invest more in Agriculture to ensure food security.
The Minister of Works, Eng. David Umahi who disclosed that the plan for the road had been on ground for the past 48 years, described the project as a catalyst of development, pointing out that it would also improve security within the project corridor.
He said where the routes are not desirable, the Federal government is ready to link to the desired locations of the Governors through bypass.
Eng Umahi explained that the project is a 6 lane carriageway, adding that there would be a train track by the side, connecting all the States the project will pass through.
The Minister assured that the Federal government would ensure all road projects are completed based on fairness, equity, and justice, adding that road infrastructure is key in Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism among others.
He applauded farmer Governor Umaru Bago for his Agriculture and Infrastructural development initiatives which are beneficial for the State and the nation.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum Abdulrahman Abdulrazak represented by his Deputy Kayode Alabi who said the road project is a testament of the bold vision of President Tinubu to improve on the infrastructure of the Country, appreciated him for the project.
The Federal government had recently approved the 1000 km Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project, to provide a good road connection in six -geo-political zones of the country, and to foster a more secure, safer and sustainable transportation system.
Out of the 1,000 km of the road project, Niger and Kwara States will have 125 km and 188 km respectively.
Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor of Niger State
04/07/2024.
