Goronyo Lauds Sokoto Governor for Donating 10 Hilux Vehicles to Secure Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has commended Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for donating 10 Toyota Hilux vehicles to strengthen security operations along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and other strategic infrastructure corridors.
The vehicles were formally commissioned and handed over to the Nigerian Army at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Goronyo performed the handover on behalf of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi.
The donation is expected to improve the mobility and operational effectiveness of security personnel deployed to protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and host communities along the highway corridor.
Speaking at the ceremony, Goronyo described the gesture as evidence of the Sokoto State Government’s commitment to national development and the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway represents a long-standing national infrastructure vision dating back to the era of former President Shehu Shagari in the 1970s. According to him, the project remained unrealised for decades until the Tinubu administration commenced construction of the 1,068-kilometre highway in October 2024.
The minister described the highway as a landmark project designed to connect communities, improve transportation and strengthen economic integration between northern and southern Nigeria.
He explained that the road would traverse Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, facilitating the movement of people and goods, reducing transportation costs, stimulating trade and creating employment opportunities along its route.
Goronyo added that the project would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting agriculture, commerce and industrial development.
He stressed that the successful completion of the highway would depend on sustained cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities.
The minister emphasised that adequate security was essential to the timely delivery of the project, noting that the newly donated vehicles would enhance the response capabilities of troops and other security personnel operating along the corridor.
He also highlighted other major infrastructure projects being executed by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor, Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.
According to him, the projects form part of the government’s broader strategy to develop an integrated road network that supports commerce, improves inter-state connectivity and accelerates economic growth.
Goronyo further explained that the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was intended to provide durable infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades. He said complementary measures, including tree planting and solar-powered street lighting where provided for in the project, would support environmental sustainability and road safety.
The minister commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sacrifices and professionalism in protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure. He urged them to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities despite the difficult conditions under which they operate.
He also expressed condolences to the military over the reported loss of personnel in a bandit attack while on official duty the previous day, extending his sympathy to the affected personnel, their colleagues and bereaved families.
In addition, Goronyo acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in coordinating efforts to address security challenges associated with the highway project.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Works’ commitment to implementing strategic infrastructure projects under President Tinubu’s administration in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Bengba Paul Koughna, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Sokoto State Government for providing the vehicles.
Koughna said the vehicles would strengthen the operational mobility and response capacity of troops deployed along the approximately 440-kilometre section of the highway extending through Sokoto and Kebbi states.
He explained that troops conduct regular patrols and operate from multiple deployment points along the corridor, making the additional vehicles a significant boost to their operations.
The GOC assured the minister that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and other stakeholders involved in the project.
He also commended retired General Sa’ad Abubakar, representing Hitech Construction Company, for the company’s involvement in the project.
The ceremony 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 importance of collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the safe and timely completion of strategic road projects.
The Federal Ministry of Works reiterated its commitment to protecting national infrastructure and advancing sustainable economic growth through the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
