President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate the 1000-km Sokoto-Badagry Coastal Highway in August.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement on the project in Birnin Kebbi.

Mr Umahi said that he was directed by the President to come to Kebbi with some ministers and members of the National Assembly to unveil the scope of the project.

He said, “The project is the old West African Trade Route, and the processes for the commencement of the construction of the 1000km six lane super highway are in progress. Kebbi State has the lion’s share of the project, the first phase of construction will start here covering three lanes on each side of the road. A 120 kilometer section of the road lies in Sokoto State while 258 kilometers passes through Kebbi State, which is the largest beneficiary in the country. The super highway extends to Illela border town with Niger Republic in Sokoto State and down to Badagry in Lagos State.

“The Sokoto – Badagry corridor boasts of 53 dams that would be developed for agriculture, electricity and serve as trade routes with other African countries. The super highway like the Lagos– Calabar Coastal Highway is an investment venture for Nigeria’s economic prosperity. There are lots of benefits, security, tourism, smooth transportation and industrial growth.’’

Mr Umahi also spoke on the construction of the 55km Gadar Zaima – Zuru road in Kebbi of which only six kilometers had been repaired.

According to him, though the road is an NNPC project, the progress of work has not been good.

He added, “I have invited the contractor to Abuja for an explanation. It has been the behaviour of International contractors to abandon work after collecting payment. We will no longer tolerate this unbecoming attitude. Any contractor who is given a project but could not do it, the federal government will revoke the contract and re-award it to another company. We want to encourage our local contractors.’’

The minister explained that the government was also looking into the 87 km Koko – Mahuta – Dabai road of which only six kilometers was reconstructed.

“I have the power to revoke the contract. Governor Nasir Idris recommended revoking the work and allowing the Kebbi State government to carry out the work and seek for reimbursement. The governor can lobby the President to seek a refund, you are dear to him,” Mr Umahi said.

The minister said the federal government was also not happy with the pace of work on the Malando – Warrah road, explaining that appropriate action would be applied as a remedy.

He added, “There is 55 km Argungu – Natsini road and the Jega – Kwanar Sanagi – Kebbe road which is not encouraging. The North must begin to enjoy concrete roads that will last up to between 100 – 200 years. From now, only contractors with the right equipment capable of building concrete roads would be engaged for road projects. Without good roads, it is like we are in prison, as good roads enhance agricultural mechanisation, security, smooth transportation, longevity of vehicles and boost the economy. This is part of the Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Projects of President Tinubu.’’

In his remarks, Mr Idris, described the Sokoto – Badagry Super Highway as an indelible legacy of the All Progressive Congress’ administration.

“We are part of it, we are in the APC, we believe in the ability of President Tinubu to deliver. He removed the dust off the file of the Sokoto – Badagry Super Highway project which has been kept dormant for almost 50 years. Tinubu is fulfilling the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.

Mr Idris informed the minister that he would present a report to him in Abuja containing the input of the people of the state on the construction of the super highway for better results.

The Director, Federal Highways, Bridges and Design, Bede Obioha, told he stakeholders that the Sokoto– Badagry six lane Super Highway would start from Illela – Tangaza – Binji – Gwadabawa – Silame – Argungu in Sokoto State.

Mr  Obioha stated, “From Argungu in Kebbi State, the road stretches to Ambursa – Birnin Kebbi – Bunza – Dakingari – Kamba extending to other states up to Badagry. On completion of the project, there will be consistency in free flow of traffic.’’

The Emir of Argungu, Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, affirmed the support of traditional rulers to the road construction, assuring that they would mobilise their people towards its successful completion.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Barinada Mpigi, two other members of the committee, Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal as well as the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, delivered goodwill messages.

They reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to provide necessary legislative support to President Tinubu on infrastructural development, socio- economic and industrial growth of the nation. (NAN)