ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the 1,000 km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim said that Bago gave the commendation during a stakeholders’ engagement for the Niger and Kwara segment of the project held in Ilorin.
According to the statement, the forum was organised to discuss the proposed alignments and help communities along the routes understand the project’s potential.
This will in turn 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 statement said.
It added that the Niger State governor used the medium to call on the youth and women on the project corridor to use the opportunity to engage in meaningful ventures 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 a 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 statement further cited the Minister of Works, David Umahi as saying that the plan for the road had been on the ground for the past 48 years.
The minister 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.”