Tinubu tasks governors on Trans-Sahara trade route road project

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a charge to some state governor’s to seek funding for the construction of the long-awaited Trans-Sahara trade route, a project that promises significant economic benefits for Nigeria.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed this on Wednesday at a Ministry of Works stakeholders’ meeting in Birnin-Kebbi, marking a pivotal step towards realizing a superhighway initially conceived in 1956 but left unimplemented for decades.

The meeting focused on the alignment of the superhighway’s first two sections, spanning 120 kilometers in Sokoto and 258 kilometers in Kebbi, ending in Badagry, Lagos State.

In a statement released by Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed, on behalf of the acting Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Works, Bagudu highlighted the President’s vision to address current realities and ensure necessary funding is secured for the benefit of Nigerians and future generations.

“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 stated.

Bagudu emphasized the international recognition of Nigeria’s bold approach and the readiness of global leaders to assist in areas of need.

In his presentation, Minister of Works, David Umahi, detailed the superhighway’s route, starting from Illela in Sokoto, passing through Argungu, Bunza, and Kamba, and ending at Bida town in Niger State for the first and second phases.

Umahi called for the support of Kebbi and Sokoto State residents, assuring fair compensation for affected communities.

Umahi also noted that the superhighway follows the oldest Trans-Sahara trade route, initiated over 48 years ago but left unimplemented until now. He announced the Federal government’s plan to use concrete for road construction in the Northern region to ensure durability for up to 100 years.

President Tinubu will officially kick off the project in Kebbi State, which is expected to bring significant benefits to agriculture, commerce, and security in the region.

The Federal government has completed numerous road projects in Sokoto State and plans to address key roads in Kebbi State, particularly the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads.

The President’s revival of the project has been praised for its potential to benefit Nigerians and neighboring countries like Niger Republic and Benin.

Stakeholders at the meeting commended President Tinubu and his team for resuscitating the 48-year-old superhighway project.

Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, expressed gratitude for the project’s implementation and urged fair and just execution for the benefiting communities.

Governor Idris stressed the importance of incorporating the State’s input before finalizing the project to ensure justice for the people.

He also requested the Minister’s intervention on the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, noting the suffering of residents in these areas due to poor road conditions.

In his remarks, Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, voiced full support for the project and urged the Minister to address the critical road issues in the region.