Sokoto Governor Flags Off ₦16.8bn University Gate–Binji Road Project in Sokoto

Former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara, Hassan Muhammad Nasiha Gusau, has flagged off the construction of the ₦16.8 billion University Gate–Kwalkwalawa–Inname–Binji Road in Sokoto State.

The 41.27-kilometre road project, initiated by the Sokoto State Government in partnership with the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), SCALE-UP and the World Bank, is expected to improve rural connectivity, boost agricultural activities and stimulate economic development across the benefiting communities.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, said the project formed part of his administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities and providing infrastructure that would facilitate economic activities.

Governor Aliyu said the road, which traverses parts of Wamakko and Binji Local Government Areas, would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while making it easier for farmers to transport agricultural produce.

He said the project would include road works, hydraulic structures, asphaltic wearing course, surface dressing, culverts and road furniture.

The governor described the road as an important intervention for the predominantly agrarian communities along the corridor, saying its completion would reduce transportation difficulties, improve mobility and enhance economic opportunities.

“Though the University Gate–Inname–Binji Road may appear modest, its significance and socio-economic implications are immense. It is a road of hope, a road of economic prosperity and a road that connects communities with opportunities,” he said.

Aliyu listed other road projects undertaken by his administration to include the Dandume–Kurro Road, Zauro–Wurno–Daji Road, Kaura Road, Gongoreya Road, Goringwa Road, Wamakko–Bunkure Road and Zengewa–Dari Road.

He commended the contractor, engineers, consultants and other professionals involved in the project, urging them to execute the work according to specifications and complete it within the stipulated timeframe.

The governor also appealed to the benefiting communities to cooperate with the project implementation team and protect the infrastructure upon completion.

Flagging off the construction, Senator Hassan Nasiha commended the Federal Government, Sokoto State Government and development partners for supporting infrastructure development, agricultural production and poverty reduction.

Nasiha described the road as a significant intervention that would contribute to the socio-economic development of communities along the corridor.

He urged the contractor to adhere strictly to approved specifications, quality standards and the agreed completion schedule, while calling on residents to support the project and ensure the protection of the infrastructure.

Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, the District Head of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Zayyana, also commended the state government, RAAMP, the World Bank and other development partners for initiating the project.

Zayyana said improved rural connectivity would strengthen agricultural production, facilitate the movement of people and goods and enhance access to essential services.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engineer Malami Umar Tambuwal, described the project as another milestone in the state’s efforts to improve rural infrastructure and raise the socio-economic well-being of residents.

Tambuwal said the road would reduce travel time and transportation costs, improve access to markets and social services, and enable farmers to move their produce more efficiently.

He added that the project would help reduce post-harvest losses, create employment opportunities during construction and contribute to poverty reduction in the benefiting communities.

The RAAMP coordinator appreciated the Federal Government and the World Bank for their continued support for rural infrastructure projects in Sokoto State.

He also urged beneficiary communities to take ownership of the project by cooperating with contractors, consultants and other stakeholders to ensure its timely completion.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Sokoto State Road Implementation Unit to transparency, accountability and quality service delivery in the execution of road projects across the state.