President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the take-off of the construction of the Trans-Sahara trade route, it emerged on Wednesday.

According to him, the superhighway conceived in 1956 but abandoned holds a huge economic potential for the country when completed.

The President tasked his cabinet members to source funds for executing the project despite global economic challenges.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu stated this at the Ministry of Works stakeholders' meeting in Birnin-kebbi on the alignment for sections 1 & 2 of the superhighway, covering 120 KM in Sokoto and 258 KM in Kebbi, totalling 378 KM, and ending in Badagry, Lagos State.

In a statement on Wednesday by Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed, on behalf of the acting Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Works, Bagudu stated that the vision of the President was to address the reality on the ground and secure necessary funding for the benefit of Nigerians and future generations.

He said: “That is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed us to go and source the funds to execute our projects.

“Nigeria is the most vibrant economy with a lot of potential capacity. This project is just the tip of the iceberg. Nigerians should expect many more of such projects.”

He added that due to the courage and determination of the current administration, world leaders have acknowledged Nigeria's boldness and readiness to assist in areas of need.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, informed the superhighway will begin from Illela in Sokoto (120 KM) through Argungu, Bunza, and Kamba, ending at Bida town in Niger State for the first and second phases.

According to Umahi, Tinubu would officially kick off the project in Kebbi State that would be of immense benefit to the people of the State and the adjoining areas, especially in agriculture, commerce, and boosting security.

“I request the people of Kebbi State and Sokoto State to support this project. Wherever there is a need to compensate the people, we will sit down with you and work it out with the local communities,” he said.

While noting that the route of the superhighway was the oldest Trans-Sahara trade route, initiated over 48 years ago, Umahi pointed out that the project was not implemented until President Tinubu's administration.

He emphasised that the Federal government would start using concrete for road construction in the Northern region to ensure longevity for up to 100 years.

Umahi also highlighted that the Federal government had completed many road projects in Sokoto State and promised that all road projects in Kebbi State, particularly the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, would be addressed.

He added that the President deserves commendation for reviving the project, which would benefit not only Nigerians but also neighbouring countries like Niger Republic, Bénin, and others.

The project's stakeholders commended the President and his team for the initiative and for heeding the yearning of millions of Nigerians to resuscitate the 48-year-old Superhighway. 

Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, commended Tinubu for implementing the project and kicking it off in Kebbi State.

While seeking the State's input on the route passages, Governor Idris noted that his State government wanted the project execution to be fair and just to the communities directly benefiting from it.

“We need to give our input before the conclusion of the project so that we can do justice to our people.

“We are taking a lion's share of the project, and we have to be just and fair to our people since the project will have direct benefits for them,” he said.

He also sought the Minister's intervention on the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, stressing that the people of these areas, including four Local Government Areas (LGAs) are suffering due to bad roads.

Sen. Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, expressed his full support for the project while also urging the Minister to address the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads.

Last updated on July 6th, 2024 at 07:47 pm