The construction of the 1000 kilometres Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a major catalyst for economic development between the southern and northern parts of the country, should ordinarily excite all.
A national interest group, The Democratic Front (TDF), observed on Friday that the construction of the Superhighway which was recently approved was meant to promote trade and commerce.
It would also ensure accessibility of goods and services, among other numerous benefits between the South West, the North West and by extension the larger northern region.
A statement by TDF signed by Mr Danjuma Muhammadu as Chairman, also by Mr Wale Adedayo, Secretary, said that approval of the road for construction should excite those interested in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
This is more so for those from the North West, North Central, and the South-Western part of the country.
The TDF insists that the construction of a road of this magnitude should be a major source of excitement and attraction because of its potential to promote trade, commerce, employment, social interrelationships, and linkages to connect markets with production centres.
The TDF proposed that a careful evaluation of the inherent advantages and benefits of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway should normally compel well-meaning leaders and stakeholders in these regions to recognise this proposed earth-shaking infrastructural outlay and applaud the proposal.
“We therefore wish to draw the attention of well-meaning leaders and stakeholders to the prospect of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway Project, recently approved for construction by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Superhighway is intended by the President to link five northern states directly to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Badagry.
In addition to boosting the Northern region’s capacity to export its agricultural produce and rich solid mineral resources to the outside world, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway will provide immediate opportunities for unemployed Nigerians and entrepreneurs living within the axis of the project.
The proximity of the proposed Superhighway to the border will facilitate regional economic and security cooperation between Nigeria and her neighbouring countries.
We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating a Superhighway that will open the North to landmark economic developments.
We believe that the1000-kilometres road project, when completed, will be the largest singular road transportation infrastructure that directly connects the Sahel in the North with the Atlantic Coast in Badagry. This is a dream nursed many years ago by Nigeria’s founding fathers.
The socio-economic benefits and values of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway to Nigerians living in the northern parts of the country are innumerable and inestimable.
We therefore urge all northern political leaders and stakeholders to close ranks by supporting laudable projects and support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the realization of the gigantic road infrastructure.
It is for this particular reason that we gladly welcome the visit of members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to the President on 31st May 2024.
The comments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the meeting with the ACF leave no one in doubt of his sincere commitment to comprehensively address the issue of poor infrastructure, and appalling poverty that have bedevilled our country in past decades.
The onus, therefore, is on the ACF and all other stakeholders to support the president by creating a conducive political atmosphere for the president to complete the good work he has started for the region.
We call on His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his ingenuity and wisdom to find an effective financing plan for the project, the same way it was done for the ongoing Lagos -Calabar Coastal Superhighway Project in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
It is also our expectation that the Governors of the 19 Northern states, particularly the Governors of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states, would rise above petty political differences and support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
The Governors of Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states should also step up to encourage and support the President on the Superhighway project, which is set to ensure an economic boom for their Nigerians.