MINISTER GORONYO FLAGS OFF N9.5BN DURBAWA–MAIKUJIRA ROAD PROJECT IN SOKOTO
From Muhammad Gazali Garba
The Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, on Tuesday flagged off the construction of the 23-kilometre Durbawa–Maikujira Road Project in Sokoto State, a major infrastructure intervention aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural connectivity, and enhancing socio-economic development.
The project, valued at N9,521,064,133.33, is being executed under a partnership involving the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Sokoto State Government.
The flag-off ceremony formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aliyu expressed delight at the commencement of the project, describing it as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, rural prosperity, and the transformation of the agricultural value chain in the state. He welcomed the Minister of State for Works and commended him for honouring the invitation, noting that his presence added significance to the occasion.
The governor said that since assuming office, his administration has prioritised infrastructure development, particularly road construction, resulting in the completion and commissioning of several township and inter-community roads across the state. According to him, these projects are designed to improve connectivity and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people.
Governor Aliyu explained that the Durbawa–Mekujira corridor lies within the agricultural belt of the benefiting local government areas and holds significant economic importance.
He noted that for many years, communities along the route had suffered hardship due to poor road conditions, which made it difficult to transport agricultural produce to markets and limited access to essential services, especially during the rainy season.
He further stated that the collaboration between the Sokoto State Government, the World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Federal Government reflects the confidence reposed in his administration and its commitment to delivering impactful development projects.
Governor Aliyu emphasised that the road project is not just a physical infrastructure development but an investment in the future of the people.
He noted that upon completion, it will improve access to markets, facilitate the movement of goods and services, create economic opportunities, empower local communities, and significantly enhance rural development.
He expressed gratitude to all development partners for their continued support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering more developmental projects across the state.
Aliyu also appealed to citizens for continued prayers, cooperation, and support in sustaining the government’s development efforts.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,, for his visionary leadership and continued support for infrastructure development across the country.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the Durbawa–Maikujira Road Project as a vital infrastructure intervention conceived and championed by the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto. He said the project reflects purposeful leadership and a strong commitment to sustainable development.
He explained that roads are more than physical structures; they are economic lifelines that connect communities, reduce transportation costs, enhance trade, and improve access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
According to him, the project will directly benefit agrarian communities by improving access to markets, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing profitability for farmers and traders.
Barrister Goronyo added that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting on-going federal infrastructure initiatives such as the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, both designed to strengthen national integration and economic development.
He also noted progress on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Sokoto Road Corridor, which is being executed in phases, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to balanced infrastructure development across all regions.
The Minister commended the Sokoto State Government for complementing federal efforts through strategic infrastructure investments, describing it as a strong example of cooperative governance that brings development closer to the people.
He also praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for his dedication to development and acknowledged the contributions of the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, describing him as a father and political mentor whose leadership laid a strong foundation for the state’s progress.
Barrister Goronyo urged communities along the project corridor to take ownership of the project by supporting contractors, cooperating with stakeholders, and protecting the infrastructure for long-term benefit.
He thereafter formally flagged off the construction of the Durbawa–Mekujira Road Project, expressing optimism that it would bring lasting economic and social transformation to Sokoto State.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Galadanci, said the state government, through its Rural Road Development Programme, has constructed over 377 kilometres of roads across Sokoto State within the last three years. He further disclosed that the government has also approved the design of 530 new roads as part of ongoing efforts to expand rural infrastructure and deepen development across communities in the state.
In a related development, the Minister also layed foundation stone for the construction of 100 Housing Units for the internally displaced persons in Rabah Local government Area of the state.
The ceremony was attended by the state APC leader, senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko,Some Members of the National Assembly,Speaker Sokoto State House of assembly, Hon Tukur Bala Bodinga, Secretary to the state government,Bello Muhammad Sifawa, Commissioners, special advisers,Local government Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, politicians,among others.
