By Stella Odueme
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has commended the Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for donating 10 Toyota Hilux vehicles to strengthen security operations along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and other strategic infrastructure corridors.
The vehicles were formally commissioned and handed over to the Nigerian Army at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto by Goronyo, on behalf of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi.
The donation is expected to improve the mobility and operational effectiveness of security personnel deployed to protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and host communities along the highway corridor.
Speaking at the ceremony, Goronyo described the gesture as evidence of the Sokoto State Government's support for national infrastructure development and the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to his Special Assistant on Media, Abdullahi Mohammed, he recalled that the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was conceived decades ago, dating back to the era of former President Shehu Shagari in the 1970s, but remained unrealised until the Tinubu administration initiated construction of the 1,068-kilometre highway in October 2024.
According to him, the project is designed to connect communities across northern and southern Nigeria, improve transportation, expand economic opportunities and strengthen national integration.
Goronyo noted that the highway traverses Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, adding that its completion would facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, stimulate trade and create employment opportunities.
He said the project would also improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting agriculture, commerce and industrial development along the corridor.
The minister stressed that the successful completion of the highway required sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities.
He emphasised that security remained critical to the timely delivery of the project, noting that the newly donated vehicles would strengthen the ability of troops to respond to security threats and protect infrastructure development activities.
Goronyo also highlighted other strategic road projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor, Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.
He explained that the projects formed part of efforts to develop an integrated road network that would enhance interstate connectivity, facilitate commerce and accelerate economic growth.
The minister added that the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was intended to provide durable infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades. He also identified tree planting and solar-powered street lighting, where provided for in the project, as complementary environmental and road safety measures.
Goronyo commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their professionalism, resilience and sacrifices in protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure.
He also expressed condolences to the military over the reported death of personnel in a bandit attack while on official duty the previous day, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed and strength for their bereaved families.
The minister further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in coordinating efforts to address security challenges associated with the highway project.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Works' commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of strategic infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Bengba Paul Koughna, thanked the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Sokoto State Government for providing the vehicles.
Koughna said the vehicles would enhance the operational mobility and response capabilities of troops deployed along the highway, particularly across the approximately 440-kilometre section covering Sokoto and Kebbi states.
He explained that troops conducted regular patrols and maintained several deployment points along the corridor, adding that the vehicles would significantly support their operations.
The GOC assured the minister that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and other stakeholders involved in the project.
He also commended the representative of Hitech Construction Company, retired General Sa'ad Abubakar, for the company's involvement in the project.
The event was attended by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aliyu Garba, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders.
The donation underscores the importance of collaboration among federal and state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safe and timely completion of strategic infrastructure projects.
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