By Olawale Lamina
A group, The Democratic Front, TDF, has described the proposed construction of the 1,000 kilometres Badagry–Sokoto Superhighway as a major catalyst for economic development between the southern and northern parts of Nigeria which should excite all.
The group’s position was contained in a joint statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammadu and Secretary Wale Adedayo, ( a copy of which was made available to The Pinnacle Times). The statement was emphatic that it was a way of demonstrating that President Bola Tinubu truely understood what Nigerians were going through since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The Democratic Front reasoned that, the plan to construct the Superhighway which was recently approved by the federal government was meant to promote trade and commerce as well as accessibility of goods and services, among other numerous benefits between the South West, the North West and, by extension, the larger northern region.
The group also opined that, ordinarily, the approval granted for the ambitious road construction should excite citizens interested in the socio-economic development of the country, especially the beneficiaries from the North West, North Central, and the South-Western part of the country.
TDF stated that, based on its sheer magnitude and attraction, the project has the potential to promote trade, commerce, employment, social interrelationships, apart from improved linkages to connect markets with production centres.
The group equally acknowledged that a careful evaluation of the inherent advantages and benefits of the Badagry–Sokoto Superhighway should compel well-meaning leaders and stakeholders in the regions to recognise the earth-shaking infrastructural outlay and applaud the proposal.
TDF reeled out the benefits accruable from the project explaining that, “We, therefore, wish to draw the attention of well-meaning leaders and stakeholders to the prospect of the Badagry-Sokoto Superhighway Project, recently approved for construction by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu.
“The proposed Superhighway would link five northern states directly to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Badagry.
I”In addition to boosting the Northern region’s capacity to export its agricultural produce and rich solid mineral resources to the outside world, the 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.”
The body saluted President Tinubu for initiating a Superhighway capable of opening 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,” said TDF.
It noted further that, the socio-economic benefits and values of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway to Nigerians, especially those living in the northern parts of the country are inestimable.
However, the group appealed to northern political leaders and stakeholders to close ranks by giving their unreserved support to the laudable projects, while at the same time supporting the administration of President 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.”
The group called on the he President to fashion out an effective financing plan for the project, in similar way the ongoing Lagos – Calabar Coastal Superhighway Project in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria was embarked on.
“It is also our expectation that the Governors of the 19 Northern states, particularly those 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 Badagry – Sokoto 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.
Ends
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