ABUJA — Minister of Works David Umahi has expressed satisfaction with the progress of construction on Section III of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway while raising concerns over the slow pace of work on the Sango Ota–Idiroko Road project.
Umahi made the remarks during an inspection of the 162.3-kilometre Section III of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, which passes through parts of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.
He commended Hitech Construction Company and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works for maintaining approved engineering standards, describing the quality and pace of work as encouraging.
The minister said continued investment in quality road infrastructure would support Nigeria's long-term economic development and reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to delivering key infrastructure projects.
Responding to criticisms linking the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to flooding in parts of Lagos, Umahi said the project includes adequate drainage infrastructure. He attributed much of the flooding to blocked drainage channels and indiscriminate waste disposal rather than the highway itself.
Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo described the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway as a strategic national project that would boost trade, improve transportation and strengthen regional connectivity with Benin Republic and Niger Republic.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, reaffirmed the National Assembly's support for the Federal Government's legacy road projects and urged relevant agencies to ensure their timely completion.
Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, praised the quality of the project and appealed to Nigerians to remain patient as construction progresses.
Providing an update on the project, the Engineering Representative, Oyewande Aliu, said 25 kilometres of the right carriageway and 9.5 kilometres of the left carriageway had been completed. He added that despite challenging terrain, construction remains on schedule and is expected to be completed within the 26-month contract period.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, said construction is ongoing across the seven states covered by the project, with provisions for solar-powered street lighting and dams along some sections.
The inspection team also visited Section I of the Sango Ota–Idiroko Road project being handled by Visible Construction Nigeria Limited.
Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on the project and directed the engineering representative to provide him with a detailed briefing in Abuja.
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