Sokoto Flags Off N12.7bn Kware–Gidan Madi Road Project

The Sokoto State Government has flagged off the construction of the 36-kilometre Kware–Gidan Madi Road at a cost of N12.708 billion, with Governor Ahmed Aliyu saying the project will boost rural connectivity and stimulate agricultural and economic activities across the benefiting communities.

The flag-off ceremony, held in Kware on Wednesday, was part of the state government’s ongoing infrastructure drive aimed at opening up rural communities and improving access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

The project is being executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and jointly financed by the World Bank and the Sokoto State Government.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aliyu said the road reflected his administration’s commitment to developing rural infrastructure and accelerating socio-economic growth across the state.

He said the project would include road construction, hydraulic structures, a 30mm asphaltic wearing course, surface-dressed shoulders and road furniture.

According to him, the road will traverse communities in Kware and Tangaza Local Government Areas, providing a vital link for residents, farmers and businesses.

Governor Aliyu described the project as “a road of hope” and “a road of economic prosperity,” stressing that its impact would extend beyond the 36-kilometre stretch.

He said the road would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to markets, improve access to schools and healthcare facilities, reduce transportation difficulties and create opportunities for economic growth.

The governor noted that the area was predominantly agrarian, adding that improved road infrastructure would help farmers transport their produce more efficiently, reduce transportation costs and minimise post-harvest losses.

Aliyu said road development had remained a major priority of his administration since assuming office, citing several township, transit and rural roads constructed and commissioned across the state.

Among them, he mentioned the recently commissioned Garin Magaji–Gittarana Road in Silame Local Government Area, as well as the Dandamu–Tukatuku Road and Ungwar Maidaji–Kaurare–Gagariyaya–Gagardikko Road in Tambuwal Local Government Area.

He also cited the Wamakko–Bunkari and Kwakwalawa–Binji roads as part of efforts to open up rural areas and create opportunities for economic development.

The governor charged the contractor and other stakeholders to ensure timely completion of the Kware–Gidan Madi project and strict compliance with approved specifications and quality standards.

He assured residents that his administration would sustain its development drive across the state and appealed for continued prayers and support.

Aliyu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s infrastructure interventions in Sokoto State, particularly the Sokoto–Gusau and Illela–Badagry Coastal road projects.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Muhammad Galadanchi, said the state government had, since 2022, surveyed, designed and awarded contracts for rural roads covering 1,365 kilometres across Sokoto State.

Galadanchi said several of the projects had been completed and commissioned, while others had reached completion and were awaiting formal commissioning.

He added that Governor Aliyu had directed the identification of an additional 130 kilometres of rural roads, which had been designed and handed over to contractors for execution.

The Special Guest at the ceremony, Ambassador Gada, commended Governor Aliyu for what he described as purposeful leadership and the transformation recorded across the state.

Gada said the governor had justified the confidence reposed in him by APC political leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who encouraged him to seek the governorship.

“We are indeed very proud of you. Please keep it up, for the sky will be your starting point,” he said.

He stressed that good road infrastructure was critical to rural development, saying it would reduce transportation costs, minimise post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ incomes and enhance access to markets and social services.

Gada urged the contractor to adhere strictly to approved specifications, quality standards and the completion schedule, while calling on residents of the benefiting communities to support the project and cooperate with the contractor.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Kware Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Attahiru, commended Governor Aliyu for initiating the project, saying it would improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and stimulate economic activities in the area.

The Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the Sarkin Yakin Binji, expressed support for the governor’s development initiatives and urged residents to intensify prayers for the success of the administration.

He said the Sultan was pleased with the government’s interventions targeting ordinary citizens, particularly women, youths, vulnerable groups and other less-privileged members of society.