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| Tinubu Commends Army Over Highway Security Efforts |
Nigeria’s road network faces a massive deficit. Its infrastructure stock stands at just 30 percent of GDP, well below the 70 percent global benchmark . The World Bank reports that 80 percent of Nigerian roads are in poor condition, hampering trade and travel .
President Bola Tinubu praised the Nigerian Army for securing the Illela–Sokoto–Badagry highway project. He commended their work in protecting workers and equipment on site . The project spans 1,068 kilometres, linking Illela in Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos. Tinubu said the road will open new trade and travel chances. His words came via a statement by his media aide yesterday.
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar visited troops at the Forward Operations Base Laager. He spoke to soldiers tasked with guarding the road site. The base lies in Kebbi State near the highway. Badaru thanked troops for their dedication and courage .
Badaru said the highway is key to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted the road will boost trade and jobs across regions. He said better links help local markets and growth. The plan aims to spread wealth among states.
The dualisation covers 1,068 kilometres from Illela to Badagry. It crosses seven states on its path. These states include Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos . Hitech Construction Company Limited holds the contract to build the road .
Work began in October 2024 in Sokoto and runs in phases. The government set 2027 as the target for phase one completion . Road crews now work across multiple segments in all seven states. Officials aim to meet the deadline without delay.
The federal government said the Sokoto–Badagry and Lagos–Calabar highway projects cost ₦13 trillion overall . This sum covers materials, labour, security and clearing work. Officials stress they will not cut corners on quality. They have adopted strict rules for concrete mixes and road bases .
Hitech Construction Company began in 1988 under the Chagoury Group. It runs headquarters in Lagos with offices in Abuja, Ibadan and Benin . The firm leads civil engineering in Nigeria. Its scope covers roads, bridges, water schemes and more.
Minister of Works David Umahi said the highway will feature six lanes and modern tech. It will have solar‑powered streetlights and CCTV cameras . He noted designs meet global safety standards. These features will improve travel at night.
The Nigerian Army provides round‑the‑clock patrols along the entire route. Troops check vehicles and inspect equipment daily . Their presence deters thieves and vandals. Troops also guard workers and machines at every site.
Bandit attacks once plagued the corridor near Kebbi. Since service chiefs relocated to Sokoto, attacks on convoys have dropped sharply . Joint army and police raids cleared nearby criminal camps. Locals now report safer travel on the route.
Kebbi State Governor Ahmed Aliyu pledged full support for the security effort. He said his administration will share resources for checkpoints . He noted that local police also help in patrols. The cross‑force effort seeks to secure every highway segment.
The highway project employs thousands across the seven states. It hires locals for road clearing, paving and guard tasks . Skilled roles open for engineers and technicians. This boost in income helps many rural towns.
NAN reports the road will create numerous jobs and market chances . Economists urge clear plans for local hiring on the project. They also call for fair toll rules to help drivers. These steps can ensure wide benefits.
Farmers in Sokoto and Kebbi can send produce to Lagos faster . Traders can haul goods in larger trucks at lower cost. Markets can see new goods all year round. This may cut food prices in cities.
Economists estimate that poor roads cost Nigeria $7.8 billion annually . Government spending on road transport can raise GDP by 0.16 percent for each unit invested . Improved roads boost productivity and reduce vehicle wear. This highway aims to cut those losses.
Nigeria also secured $1.3 billion to build a Kano–Maradi rail link with Niger Republic . This shows a wider push on transport and trade. The rail line will complement the highway. It may open new cross‑border markets.
Climate change threatens road durability with heat and heavy rain . Planners plan better drainage and stronger materials. They aim to build a climate‑resilient surface. This will help protect the road long‑term.
The highway revives a plan first set by President Shehu Shagari in 1977 . Past efforts stalled due to funding and security issues. Tinubu’s government revived the plan with fresh funds. He called it a duty to finish the job.
Tinubu launched the Renewed Hope Agenda in 2023 to revive key sectors. It targets roads, power and health . The highway is a flagship in that plan. It shows the drive on core infrastructure.
The corridor links diverse regions and may foster unity. It bridges cultures from the far north to the coast . People can travel more for trade and visits. This may spark new ties across states.
If the route stays secure, new towns may grow along it. Gas stations, rest stops and markets can spring up. Local firms will thrive on better access . The road can reshape regional growth patterns.
Observers urge transparent dashboards to track progress and spending. Civil groups call for regular audits on the road fund. This can build trust with citizens. It also discourages waste and mismanagement.
Good roads cut travel time and fuel costs. They link farms to city markets and bring goods fast. They help small businesses and traders to grow. This highway may boost Nigeria’s economy.
What more can be done to keep this vital link safe and open? How can local communities help guard this road? With clear plans and shared effort, this highway can reach its full promise.