Senator Nasiha Flags Off ₦16.8bn University Gate–Binji Road in Sokoto

The construction of a 41.27-kilometre road linking the University Gate in Sokoto with Kwalkwalawa, Inname and Binji has officially commenced, with the project valued at ₦16.8 billion.

The project was flagged off by former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State and Senator Hassan Muhammad Nasiha Gusau on Thursday, as part of efforts to improve rural connectivity and stimulate agricultural and economic activities across Sokoto State.

The University Gate–Kwalkwalawa–Inname–Binji Road is being implemented through a partnership involving the Sokoto State Government, the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), SCALE-UP and the World Bank.

The road traverses parts of Wamakko and Binji Local Government Areas and is expected to connect several rural communities to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities and creating an environment where agriculture and other economic activities could thrive.

According to the governor, the road corridor is predominantly agrarian, making improved transportation infrastructure particularly important for farmers who depend on roads to move their produce to markets.

He said the completed project would reduce transportation difficulties, improve mobility and facilitate the movement of agricultural products, while also making it easier for residents to access essential services.

The project includes road works, hydraulic structures, asphaltic wearing courses, surface dressing, culverts and road furniture.

Governor Aliyu described the road as a significant socio-economic intervention, saying it would connect communities with economic opportunities and contribute to the wider development of the state.

He urged the contractor, engineers, consultants and other professionals handling the project to adhere strictly to approved specifications and ensure timely completion.

The governor also appealed to communities along the route to cooperate with the contractor and project implementation team to ensure smooth execution.

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

He described the road as an important intervention that would contribute to the socio-economic development of communities along the corridor.

Nasiha urged the contractor to execute the project according to approved specifications and within the agreed timeframe.

He also called on beneficiary communities to support the project, cooperate with those responsible for its construction and protect the infrastructure once completed.

The State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engineer Malami Umar Tambuwal, described the project as more than a transportation corridor, saying it represented an investment in the future of communities along the route.

He said the improved road network would reduce travel time and transportation costs while providing farmers with easier access to markets.

According to him, better road access could also help reduce post-harvest losses by enabling agricultural produce to reach markets more efficiently.

Tambuwal said the project would create employment during construction and contribute to poverty reduction and increased economic activity in the beneficiary communities.

Representing the Sultan of Sokoto at the ceremony, the District Head of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Zayyana, also commended the Sokoto State Government, RAAMP, the World Bank and other development partners.

He said improved rural connectivity would strengthen agricultural production and facilitate the movement of people and goods.

The road project is one of several infrastructure initiatives being pursued by the Sokoto State Government, which has continued to prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of rural and township roads.

If completed as planned, the University Gate–Kwalkwalawa–Inname–Binji corridor is expected to improve connectivity between rural communities and urban centres while supporting agriculture, commerce and access to social services across parts of Sokoto State.