Work to start on Sokoto-Illela-Badagry highway as FEC approves procurement

The federal government has approved plans to kick off the Sokoto-Illela-Badagry highway.

This comes as the Federal Executive Council FEC approved the procurement of the project amongst other key projects approved in the two-day FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the council Chambers in the presidential Villa in Abuja.

The Sokoto-Illela-Badagry highway which commenced in 1978 during former Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo junta but was abandoned is a major road project in Nigeria that aims to link the northern city of Sokoto with the southwestern city of Badagry.

The highway passes through the town of Illela, connecting various regions of the country and facilitating transportation and trade.

The construction of this highway is seen as a key infrastructure development initiative to improve connectivity, promote economic growth, and enhance the region.

About 46 years later, the President Bola Tinubu administration has agreed to complete the project, with sources indicating that the project would be funded through the infrastructure fund.

Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sharadeen Abiodun Alli during a visit to traditional rulers and political leaders in Ibarapa zone of the state promised collaborate with Federal Ministry of Works and the Minister of Works in reviving the abandoned Badagry/Sokoto expressway., pledged his continued commitment to the district’s development.

According to a report by Leadership Newspaper in January, the senator who spoke at the Olu of Igboora palace, Olu of Igbo-ora, Oba Titiloye Jimoh; however reaffirmed his commitment to the traditional institution, citing his role as a fellow senior traditional chief and Maye Balogun of Ibadan land.

The lawmaker said he deeply understood and appreciated the value of the traditional institution and vowed to do everything within his power to support the elevation of these revered leaders.