Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national development, describing his approval of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway as a bold demonstration of inclusive leadership.
Bagudu made the remarks on Tuesday during a technical session at the ongoing Government-Citizens Engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House in Kaduna. He noted that the 1,068-kilometre highway project was not part of Tinubu’s campaign promises, yet the president approved it purely on merit and national interest.
“The road was not in our campaign document, but the president approved it because he is a leader for all, not just a few,” Bagudu stated. “This shows leadership that is proactive and responsive to national needs, beyond rhetoric.”
He explained that the highway, which cuts across seven states—Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos—will serve as a vital economic artery linking the northwest and southwest regions. According to him, the project is expected to improve trade, stimulate agricultural productivity, ease transportation, and foster national integration.
Originally proposed during the Shehu Shagari administration nearly five decades ago, the project has now been revived under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Bagudu disclosed that the government is exploring alternative financing models to ensure its timely and successful execution.
Calling for public and stakeholder support, the minister emphasized the highway’s transformative potential. “This project will unlock massive economic opportunities across the states it traverses. Communities must see it as their own and rally behind it,” he urged.