Umahi Defends Tinubu's Mega Roads, Says Sokoto–Badagry Highway on Track

Engr. Dave Umahi 
Nigeria's Minister of Works

"The highway, alongside other flagship road projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, is restoring confidence in Nigeria's infrastructure sector and laying the foundation for sustained economic growth." Umahi 

Nigeria's Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on Section III of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, declaring that the landmark project remains on schedule despite engineering challenges.

Speaking after inspecting the 162.3-kilometre stretch traversing Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, Umahi commended the contractor, Hitech Construction Company, and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works for adhering to approved engineering standards.

According to the Minister, the highway, alongside other flagship road projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, is restoring confidence in Nigeria's infrastructure sector and laying the foundation for sustained economic growth.

He dismissed criticisms from opposition groups over ongoing road projects as unfounded, insisting the administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure. Umahi also rejected claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is responsible for flooding in parts of Lagos, attributing such incidents largely to indiscriminate waste disposal that blocks drainage channels. He maintained that the coastal highway incorporates adequate drainage and environmental protection measures.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway as one of Nigeria's most strategic transport corridors, saying it would boost trade, ease movement and strengthen cross-border connectivity with the Republics of Benin and Niger.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, reaffirmed the National Assembly's support for the President's four legacy road projects, while Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh, urged Nigerians to remain patient, expressing confidence that the projects would become enduring national assets.

Briefing the inspection team, the Engineering Representative, Engr. Oyewande Aliu, disclosed that about 25 kilometres of the right carriageway and 9.5 kilometres of the left carriageway had been completed. He said despite difficult terrain, the project remains on course for completion within its approved 26-month timeline.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, said construction is progressing across all seven participating states. He added that complementary infrastructure, including solar-powered street lights and dams, would be provided along selected sections to maximise the highway's long-term economic and social benefits.

During the inspection, Umahi also visited the reconstruction of the Sango-Ota–Idiroko Road, where he directed the project's Engineering Representative to explain the slow pace of work on the contract.