The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement in the North-West, Alhaji Abdullahi Tanko-Yakasai, has said the ongoing federal road projects across the country are strategically designed to unlock the socio-economic potential of rural communities and strengthen urban–rural connectivity.

He made the remarks during an inspection tour of sections of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the commissioning of completed emergency road rehabilitation works along the Sokoto–Jega–Birnin Kebbi corridor, undertaken by the Federal Government in 2024.

Tanko-Yakasai listed some of the flagship projects to include the 750-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road Corridor, the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the Calabar–Abuja Superhighway, the 482-kilometre Trans-Saharan Road, and the 439-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road.

According to him, the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was first conceived during the administration of the late President Shehu Shagari in the 1980s but is now being actualised under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He urged Nigerians to support the President to ensure continuity of what he described as “people-oriented legacy projects.”

“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at encouraging infrastructure development and uplifting socio-economic activities across the country,” Tanko-Yakasai said.

He also commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for spearheading the execution of four major legacy highway projects intended to improve road networks and rail connectivity across the six geopolitical zones.

Speaking at the event, the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Kassimu Maigwandu, said the project covers about 120 kilometres within the Sokoto axis.

He explained that it comprises a six-lane concrete highway, bridges, solar-powered street lighting, and a railway line.

According to him, the design also includes the installation of CCTV cameras, health posts, and strategic security stations to enhance safety and emergency response.

Maigwandu added that the project is being executed in phases across several communities, with contractors currently working from six different locations simultaneously under adequate security arrangements.

“This legacy project is more than infrastructure. It is meant to rejuvenate economic activities in agriculture, tourism, education, health, and other sectors for the benefit of citizens,” he said.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Coalition of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) in Sokoto State expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work. Chairman of the NSE in Sokoto, Abubakar Ibrahim, said the steady progress of the project demonstrated President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas.

“Affected rural communities have been removed from bondage. The road will open up more opportunities, and the quality of work will benefit Nigerians for a long time. Some people earlier doubted the reality of the project, but now it has become a reality,” he said.

Similarly, the Secretary of the Coalition of NGOs in Sokoto State, Dr Abdurrahman Umar, described the superhighway as a landmark achievement that would significantly boost socio-economic activities nationwide.

He noted that the road would connect seven states from northern to southern Nigeria and is being constructed to international standards with modern facilities capable of transforming the nation’s economic fortunes.

The Deputy Director of Civil Engineering at the Sokoto State Ministry of Works, Alhaji Chika Abbas, said the project would uplift living standards and complement the development efforts of the state government.

Project Manager of HITECH Construction Company, Mr John Fourie, appreciated community leaders and residents for their cooperation, describing their relationship with workers as cordial.

He said local residents were engaged in various aspects of the work in line with local content principles.
“Clearing, concrete pavement laying, installation of solar lighting, and other activities are ongoing concurrently across the six sites to ensure speedy completion,” he said.

Residents living along the road projects also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government. Alhaji Halliru Alfada said the road would ease the transportation of farm produce and improve livelihoods.

“Most residents engage in rainy-season farming and face difficulties transporting their harvests. With the new road network, dams, and other facilities, we can also do dry-season farming and move our goods smoothly to markets,” he said.

Another resident, Alhaji Maude Aliyu, said the highway connects communities such as Katami, Alfada, Kabin Kaji, Gumbaye, Burgu, Gadanbe, Gidan Gara, and Silame, where most people depend on agriculture.

Other community members also commended President Tinubu’s leadership, citing its potential impact on youth and women empowerment, healthcare, education, and national development.