By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has commended Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for donating 10 operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to strengthen security along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, describing the gesture as support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure development agenda.
The vehicles were commissioned and handed over to the Nigerian Army at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by Goronyo, on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
According to an official statement issued by Abdullahi Mohammed, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Works, Goronyo said the donation demonstrated the Sokoto State Government’s commitment to national development and the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that effective security was essential to the successful and timely completion of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, adding that the vehicles would improve the mobility and response capabilities of security personnel deployed to protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and host communities.
The minister described the highway as a long-standing national infrastructure vision dating back to the era of former President Shehu Shagari in the 1970s, which was revived under the Tinubu administration with the commencement of construction in October 2024.
According to him, the project is designed to connect communities across northern and southern Nigeria, facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, stimulate trade and create employment opportunities along its route.
The superhighway traverses Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states. Goronyo said the road would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting agriculture, commerce and industrial development.
He stressed that delivering the project successfully would require sustained cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities.
Goronyo also highlighted other strategic road projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and the Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.
He said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to develop an integrated road network that would strengthen inter-state connectivity, facilitate commerce and support national economic growth.
On the construction of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the minister explained that the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement was intended to provide durable infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades. He added that complementary measures, including tree planting and solar-powered street lighting where provided for in the project, would promote environmental sustainability and road safety.
Goronyo commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure. He also expressed condolences to the military over the reported loss of personnel in a bandit attack while on official duty the previous day.
He acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in coordinating efforts to address security challenges associated with the highway project and reaffirmed the Ministry of Works’ commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of strategic infrastructure projects.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bengba Paul Koughna, thanked the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Sokoto State Government for the donation.
Koughna said the 10 vehicles would enhance troop mobility and operational response along the highway corridor, particularly across the approximately 440-kilometre section extending through Sokoto and Kebbi states.
He explained that troops conduct regular patrols and maintain multiple deployment points along the route, adding that the vehicles would strengthen their capacity to protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and other stakeholders.
The GOC assured the minister that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to support security operations along the corridor. He also commended Hitech Construction Company for its involvement in the project.
The event was attended by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aliyu Garba, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders.
The donation highlights the role of cooperation between federal and state governments, security agencies and contractors in addressing security challenges and supporting the implementation of major infrastructure projects across the country.
