By John Alechenu
ABUJA — Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on Section III of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, saying construction is proceeding in line with approved engineering specifications.
Umahi made the remarks during an inspection of the 162.3-kilometre section of the project traversing parts of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, the minister commended Hitech Construction Company and ministry engineers for maintaining the required construction standards.
“The quality and pace of work here are encouraging. The contractor and our engineers are doing what is expected,” Umahi said.
He added that sustained investment in quality road infrastructure would contribute to the country’s long-term development.
The minister also dismissed criticisms of the Federal Government’s infrastructure projects, saying the administration remains focused on delivering projects aimed at improving Nigeria’s economic outlook.
Responding to claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway has contributed to flooding in parts of Lagos, Umahi said the project incorporates adequate drainage infrastructure and attributed much of the flooding to blocked drainage channels and indiscriminate waste disposal.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway as a strategic national project.
According to him, the highway will enhance trade, improve transportation and strengthen regional connectivity with neighbouring Benin Republic and Niger Republic.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, said the National Assembly remains committed to supporting the Federal Government’s legacy road projects and urged relevant agencies to work together to ensure their timely completion.
Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the quality and scope of the project and appealed to Nigerians to remain patient as construction progresses.
Providing an update on the project, the Engineering Representative, Engr. Oyewande Aliu, said 25 kilometres of the right carriageway and 9.5 kilometres of the left carriageway have so far been completed.
He said construction remains on schedule despite challenging terrain and is expected to be completed within the 26-month contract period.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, described the highway as a major infrastructure project that would improve connectivity, enhance security and stimulate economic activities across communities.
He added that construction is ongoing across the seven states covered by the project, with provisions for solar-powered street lighting and dams along some sections.
The inspection team also visited Section I of the Sango Ota–Idiroko Road project being handled by Visible Construction Nigeria Limited.
Umahi, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on the road and directed the project’s Engineering Representative to provide him with a detailed briefing in Abuja.
