The Nigerian federal government officially launched the dualization of a 1,068-kilometer road in Illela, Sokoto State on Thursday.
This extensive project, beginning in Illela town in the Illela local government area, will span seven states—Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos—and has been awarded to Hitech Construction Company Limited.
President Bola Tinubu, represented at the event by Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, emphasized the importance of the project to his administration.
Governor Aliyu praised both President Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for their commitment to seeing the project come to fruition.
He commended the President for selecting a dedicated and dependable Minister of Works and assured that the Sokoto State government would provide adequate security for all personnel working on the project to ensure its swift completion.
“We in Sokoto are indebted to the President for his consistent support—from providing fertilizers to food relief for our people,” the governor added.
He also expressed gratitude for the additional ministerial position allocated to the state, which he sees as a testament to the President’s goodwill toward the people of Sokoto.
Governor Aliyu noted the recent improvements in state security, which he attributed to directives from the Minister of State for Defense. He pledged that the people of Sokoto would show even greater electoral support for President Tinubu in 2027 to help him continue his work.
Senator David Umahi, the Minister for Works, highlighted the project’s significance as part of the administration’s legacy initiative, covering over 3,000 kilometers across Nigeria. He noted that the northern region would receive 52% of the project, while 48% would serve the southern region.
“This road was first envisioned by President Shehu Shagari nearly 48 years ago,” Umahi said. “Now, we’re moving forward with a six-lane design to reduce traffic congestion.”
He further added that the superhighway would include solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras, and other advanced technologies, bringing it in line with global standards.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the federal government for prioritizing the project, emphasizing its importance to the state and the nation as a whole.
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