By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Federal Government has commenced a strategic tree-planting programme along the Illela–Sokoto axis of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and protect road infrastructure.
The initiative was officially flagged off on Monday during an inspection of ongoing construction works on the highway by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who represented the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Speaking during the inspection and launch of the roadside tree-planting programme, Goronyo described the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway as a landmark national infrastructure project that would stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, strengthen national unity and create opportunities for communities across the country.
According to him, about 120 kilometres of the highway are currently under construction along the Sokoto axis, while significant progress has already been recorded on 20 kilometres of the route.
He added that solar-powered street lights are being installed on the continuous reinforced concrete pavement, which is designed to enhance durability and reduce maintenance costs.
Goronyo said the 1,068 kilometre highway, which will connect with the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, is a strategic transportation corridor expected to improve trade, mobility, security and regional integration across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Abdullahi Mohammed, the minister noted that the tree-planting programme forms an important part of the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.
He explained that the trees would serve as shelterbelts and windbreakers, help address desert encroachment and soil erosion, improve environmental sustainability, support climate change mitigation efforts and contribute to the long-term protection of the highway infrastructure.
“The Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway is more than a road project; it is a road to prosperity. It reflects President Tinubu’s vision of building a more connected, productive, environmentally sustainable, and economically resilient Nigeria,” he stated.
