Reps Approve $516m Loan for Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway as Tinubu Pushes Landmark Project

The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to secure a $516.33 million loan from Deutsche Bank for the construction of the first phase of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway—one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The approval came after deliberations by the Committee of Supply during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

A 1,000km economic corridor

In a letter presented before lawmakers, President Tinubu described the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway as a transformative national project designed to link Nigeria’s far northwest to its southwestern coastline.

The proposed 1,000-kilometre dual carriageway will run from Illela in Sokoto State to Badagry in Lagos State, traversing key states including Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos. The corridor is expected to connect major agricultural belts, industrial zones, and commercial centres across the country.

Boosting trade, connectivity, and growth

According to the President, the highway will significantly enhance the movement of goods and people, reduce travel time, and lower logistics costs across regions.

He noted that the project would strengthen trade facilitation, improve food security, and promote national cohesion by linking production hubs in the north with markets and export gateways in the south.

“The project will improve north-south connectivity, safety and network performance while providing a high-capacity transport link to downstream markets,” Tinubu stated.

He also revealed that the highway design includes provisions for future rail integration, with a reserved central median and utility corridors to support long-term transport flexibility.

Funding structure and government contribution

The financing plan involves a $516.33 million facility from Deutsche Bank, supported by a partial guarantee from the insurance arm of the Islamic Development Bank.

The Federal Government will provide counterpart funding of N265.54 billion to cover land acquisition, compensation, and complementary infrastructure.

Tinubu urged lawmakers to fast-track approval of the loan, citing the project’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economic development and infrastructure modernisation.

Lawmakers back strategic investment

Presenting the report of the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, standing in for committee chairman Abubakar Nalaraba, called on lawmakers to support the request.

He described the superhighway as a critical driver of economic growth that would boost productivity and unlock investment opportunities nationwide.

Following deliberations, the House gave its approval, clearing the way for the commencement of Section I of the project.

A game-changer for national development

The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is widely regarded as a potential economic backbone for Nigeria, expected to enhance agricultural supply chains, stimulate regional trade, and improve access to seaports.

Beyond transportation, the project is projected to attract investments in manufacturing, logistics, and real estate along its corridor, while positioning Nigeria more competitively under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).