Goronyo Commends Sokoto State Govt. For Donating 10 Hilux Vehicles to Boost Security on Sokoto–Badagry Highway

Goronyo Commends Sokoto State Govt. For Donating 10 Hilux Vehicles to Boost Security on Sokoto–Badagry Highway

By Our Reporter

Sokoto (Core Reporters) – The Sokoto State Government has donated 10 operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to the Nigerian Army to strengthen security operations along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and protect workers, contractors and equipment at construction sites.

The vehicles were formally commissioned and handed over to the military at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Goronyo commended Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for the donation, describing it as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to national development and the successful implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the vehicles would improve the mobility and operational response capabilities of security personnel deployed along the highway corridor, where the protection of construction workers, contractors, equipment and host communities remains critical to the successful execution of the project.

The minister described the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway as a landmark infrastructure project designed to strengthen connectivity between northern and southern Nigeria, facilitate trade and create new economic opportunities across the country.

According to him, the project represents the realisation of a long-standing national infrastructure vision dating back several decades, with its conception traced to the era of former President Shehu Shagari.

He said the Tinubu administration commenced construction of the 1,068-kilometre highway in October 2024, translating the longstanding aspiration into a major infrastructure undertaking.

Goronyo noted that the highway would traverse Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, improving the movement of people and goods while reducing transportation costs and stimulating economic activities along its route.

He added that the project would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting agriculture, commerce, industry and employment generation.

The minister, however, 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.

He maintained that effective security remained indispensable to the timely delivery of the project, noting that the provision of operational vehicles would strengthen efforts to protect critical infrastructure and communities along the corridor.

Goronyo also highlighted other strategic road projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and the Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.

He said the projects formed part of the government’s broader plan to develop an integrated road network capable of boosting commerce, improving inter-state connectivity and accelerating economic growth.

On the construction specifications, the minister said the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was intended to deliver durable infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades.

He added that complementary measures, including tree planting and solar-powered street lighting where provided for in the project design, would support environmental sustainability, visibility and road safety.

Goronyo commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure, urging personnel to remain professional and committed to their constitutional responsibilities.

He also expressed condolences to the military over the reported loss of personnel in a bandit attack while on official duty the previous day.

The minister sympathised with the affected personnel, their colleagues and bereaved families, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones.

He further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in coordinating efforts to address security challenges associated with the highway project.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bengba Paul Koughna, thanked the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Sokoto State Government for providing the vehicles.

Koughna said the donation would significantly improve the mobility and response capabilities of troops deployed along the highway, particularly across the approximately 440-kilometre section passing through Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He explained that troops conduct regular patrols and maintain multiple deployment points along the corridor, making the additional vehicles a valuable contribution to operational effectiveness.

The GOC assured the minister that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to support security operations and protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and other stakeholders.

He also commended retired General Sa’ad Abubakar, representing Hitech Construction Company, for the company’s involvement in the project.

The event 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 federal and state authorities, security agencies, contractors and host communities in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safe and timely completion of major infrastructure projects.