By: Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto.
In a major infrastructural milestone for Sokoto State, former Military Administrator of Sokoto State, Captain Abdulrasheed Adisa Raji (rtd), has commissioned a ₦4.1 billion rural road project, marking a new chapter in the state’s drive toward rural transformation and economic growth.
The 14-kilometre road, jointly funded by the Sokoto State Government, the World Bank, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), cuts across Kware, Gwadabawa, and Wurno Local Government Areas, linking several rural communities and farmlands. The project, which was upgraded from a feeder road to a fully tarred standard under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, is expected to improve market access, reduce transportation costs, and minimize post-harvest losses for thousands of farmers and traders.
Speaking at the commissioning, Captain Raji described rural roads as “the cornerstone of socio-economic development,” emphasizing their critical role in improving access to healthcare, education, and commerce at the grassroots level. He commended Governor Aliyu for his commitment to improving the welfare of rural dwellers and lauded the collaboration between state and development partners as a model for sustainable progress.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in his remarks, said the project was awarded at a total cost of ₦4,164,165,948.20, explaining that it was designed to serve as an economic lifeline for farmers and small business owners. “This road will not only ease the movement of goods and services but also reduce post-harvest losses and support our broader goals of agricultural modernization and food security,” he stated. The Governor also urged communities along the road corridor to take ownership of the project and protect it from vandalism.
His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended the Governor for the developmental projects being executed across the state, describing him as “a leader who delivers visible results.” The Sultan urged other politicians to emulate his example by prioritizing meaningful projects during their tenure.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Muhammad Galadanci, revealed that all affected residents were adequately compensated, and the project was completed within schedule and in line with contractual specifications. Representatives from the Rural Agricultural and Marketing Project (RAMM) and the Sokoto State House of Assembly also praised the initiative, describing it as a major boost to local commerce and mobility.
Chairmen of the benefiting local government areas, Kware, Gwadabawa, and Wurno, expressed gratitude to the Governor, noting that the new road will open up their communities to investment, trade, and agricultural expansion. With this project, Sokoto State’s vision for inclusive rural development and improved living standards has taken a firm step forward.