By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

Former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Barrister Mukhtar Shagari, has flagged off the construction of the 7.5-kilometre Dange–Wababe–Fajaldu Road in Dange-Shuni Local Government Area, describing the project as a strategic investment in rural development, economic growth and security.

The road project, valued at over ₦5.33 billion, is being executed through a partnership between the Sokoto State Government and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), with support from the Federal Government and the World Bank.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Shagari said the project would improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, boost commercial activities and provide rural communities with easier access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.

According to him, the project is a critical intervention aimed at unlocking the economic potential of farming communities and strengthening the rural economy through improved connectivity.

He noted that quality road infrastructure remains essential to national development, stressing that efficient transportation networks help reduce poverty, attract investment and accelerate socio-economic growth.

Shagari also highlighted the security benefits of road development, saying improved roads enhance emergency response, support security operations and facilitate the rapid deployment of personnel during emergencies.

He commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for prioritising infrastructure development across Sokoto State and extending the dividends of democracy to both urban and rural communities.

“I am delighted to witness yet another landmark project that will directly improve the lives of our people. This administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to development through investments in roads, education, healthcare, agriculture and water supply,” he said.

Shagari urged the contractor handling the project to adhere strictly to approved specifications and complete the work on schedule, while calling on residents of the benefiting communities to protect the infrastructure after completion.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmad Aliyu described the project as another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, rural prosperity and agricultural transformation.

He said infrastructure development has remained at the centre of his administration’s agenda, resulting in the construction and rehabilitation of numerous township and rural roads across the state.

Aliyu recalled that the Dange–Wababe–Fajaldu Road had suffered years of neglect and had not received significant attention since the administration of former governor and APC leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

He said the poor condition of the road had created serious challenges for farmers, traders and residents, with several sections becoming almost impassable and negatively affecting agriculture, commerce and other socio-economic activities.

The governor noted that the partnership involving the Federal Government, the World Bank, RAAMP and the Sokoto State Government reflects growing confidence in the state’s development agenda and its ability to deliver impactful projects.

He said the road would reduce transportation costs, strengthen agricultural value chains, improve market access, connect rural communities and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

Aliyu expressed appreciation to the World Bank, RAAMP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development in the state.

He directed contractors, consultants and supervising engineers to maintain high construction standards and ensure timely delivery of the project.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Muhammad Galadanci, disclosed that the state government is implementing more than 1,000 kilometres of rural road projects across Sokoto State, with several already completed and others at various stages of execution.

He said the projects are improving access to remote communities, boosting agricultural productivity and creating new economic opportunities.

Also speaking, Chairman of Dange-Shuni Local Government, Aminu Bodai, and the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto and District Head of Kilgori, Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, described the project as a major milestone in rural development and pledged the support of traditional institutions and local communities for its successful execution.

The event was attended by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Deputy Governor Idris Gobir, federal and state lawmakers, commissioners, traditional rulers, political leaders and residents of the benefiting communities.