Senate Backs New Loan for Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway

By Babatunji Wusu

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, alongside another lawmaker, has voiced strong support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposal to secure fresh loans for infrastructure development, describing it as vital in the face of current economic strain.

During deliberations, Akpabio defended the move, stressing the need for practical solutions. He stated, “In these difficult times, when we don’t really have money, it is better to borrow for projects… better to borrow for infrastructure so that at the end of the day, we’ll have something to see.” He explained that repayment plans could align with the economic gains generated by such projects, reinforcing the case for the Tinubu loan plan.

Another senator urged the relevant committee to speed up its review of both local and foreign borrowing proposals, highlighting the urgency of nationwide infrastructure needs. The Tinubu loan plan received further backing as the lawmaker praised progress on the long-awaited Sokoto–Lagos highway, a project that had remained unrealised for over five decades.

He noted visible progress after inspection, stating, “I have inspected the project and I have seen progress and I’m highly impressed with what I saw.” The road, built with concrete and equipped with solar-powered streetlights, has already covered more than 45 kilometres, stretching across several states from Sokoto to Lagos.

Highlighting its impact, he added that travel time would drop significantly: “In less than six hours from Sokoto, you can reach Lagos instead of spending close to about 13 hours.” Lawmakers urged swift approval once the report is submitted, describing the Tinubu loan plan as a transformative step for national growth.