Goronyo Launches N9.5bn Durbawa-Maikujira Road In Sokoto

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, on Tuesday flagged off the construction of the Kilometers Durbawa–Maikujira Road Project in Sokoto State, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural connectivity, and enhancing socioeconomic development.

The project, valued at N9.52 billion, is being funded through a partnership involving the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Sokoto State Government.

The flag-off ceremony was part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Ahmed Aliyu.

Speaking at the event, Governor Aliyu described the commencement of the project as a testament to his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, rural prosperity, and the transformation of the agricultural value chain across the state.

He welcomed the Minister of State for Works and commended him for honouring the invitation, noting that his presence underscored the significance of the occasion.

The governor said his administration had prioritised infrastructure development since assuming office, particularly road construction, leading to the completion and commissioning of several township and intercommunity roads across the state.

According to him, the projects are designed to improve connectivity and enhance the socio economic well-being of residents.

Governor Aliyu noted that the Durbawa–Maikujira corridor is located within a major agricultural belt and holds immense economic importance. He said communities along the route had endured years of hardship due to poor road conditions, which hampered the transportation of farm produce to markets and limited access to essential services, especially during the rainy season.

He added that the collaboration between the Sokoto State Government, the World Bank, AFD, and the Federal Government reflected confidence in his administration’s development agenda and commitment to delivering impactful projects.

“The road is more than just infrastructure; it is an investment in the future of our people,” the governor said, stressing that the project would improve access to markets, facilitate the movement of goods and services, create economic opportunities, empower local communities, and accelerate rural development.

He expressed appreciation to development partners for their continued support and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to deliver more developmental projects across the state.

Governor Aliyu also thanked Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support toward infrastructure development nationwide.

In his remarks, Barrister Goronyo described the Durbawa–Maikujira Road Project as a critical infrastructure intervention initiated under the leadership of Governor Aliyu.

He said roads serve as economic lifelines that connect communities, reduce transportation costs, promote trade, and improve access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

According to him, the project will directly benefit farming communities by improving access to markets, reducing post harvest losses, and increasing profitability for farmers and traders.

The minister said the project aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and highlighted ongoing federal infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, both aimed at strengthening national integration and economic growth.

He also cited progress on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Sokoto Road Corridor and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to balanced infrastructure development across the country.

Barrister Goronyo commended the Sokoto State Government for complementing federal efforts through strategic investments in infrastructure and described the collaboration as a model of cooperative governance.

He further praised former governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for laying a solid foundation for the state’s development.

The minister urged communities along the project corridor to support contractors, cooperate with stakeholders, and safeguard the infrastructure to ensure its long-term benefits.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Galadanci, disclosed that the state government had constructed more than 377 kilometres of roads across Sokoto State within the last three years through its Rural Road Development Programme.

He also revealed that the government had approved the design of 530 additional roads as part of efforts to expand rural infrastructure and deepen development across communities.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity, and sustained development in Sokoto State and Nigeria.

Among those in attendance were Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako, members of the National Assembly, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, Secretary to the State Government Bello Muhammad Sifawa, commissioners, special advisers, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and other political stakeholders.