By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Sokoto State Government has donated 10 Hilux vehicles to support the execution and monitoring of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu presented the vehicles on Wednesday, describing the donation as the state’s contribution to the successful delivery of the Federal Government’s flagship infrastructure project.

Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, commended the Sokoto State Government for its support and commitment to the project.

Governor Aliyu said the donation fulfilled an earlier pledge by the state government and underscored its recognition of the strategic importance of the highway in improving transportation, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic activities across the country.

He noted that the project is expected to facilitate trade, stimulate development and strengthen links between communities along the corridor.

Goronyo described the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway as a key infrastructure project of the Federal Government, saying it is expected to boost socio-economic development, improve interstate transportation and create employment opportunities.

He added that the donated vehicles would strengthen project operations by supporting field supervision, logistics, security surveillance and monitoring activities.

The minister assured the state government that the vehicles would be deployed effectively to support the timely execution of the project.

Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Kassimu Maigwandu, said the Sokoto section of the highway covers about 120 kilometres.

According to him, the project will feature a six-lane concrete carriageway, railway infrastructure, bridges, solar-powered street lighting, closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, health facilities and security posts.

Maigwandu said construction is progressing simultaneously at six locations under adequate security arrangements and is being implemented in phases to ensure quality delivery.

He added that the highway is expected to support growth in agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, commerce and industry.

The Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway was inaugurated on October 24, 2024, in Illela Local Government Area as part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme aimed at improving regional connectivity and economic growth.