House of Rep Approves $516M Loan for Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for a $516,333,007 foreign loan to fund key sections of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project.

Lawmakers gave their nod to the borrowing during plenary following the presentation of a report by the Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debts Management. Deputy Chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Rasheed, laid the report before the House.

The loan, sourced from Deutsche Bank, is expected to support the construction of critical segments of the ambitious superhighway linking Sokoto in the North-West to Badagry in the South-West.

This project forms part of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity across Nigeria’s vast regions, potentially easing movement of goods and people while boosting trade between northern and southern parts of the country.

According to details presented to the House, the facility will specifically target selected sections of the highway, which many stakeholders view as vital for national economic integration.

The approval comes amid continued discussions on infrastructure development as a driver of growth under the Tinubu administration. Nigerians have long awaited improved road networks to reduce travel time and enhance safety on major corridors.

NaijaChoice News understands that the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway is expected to serve as a major economic artery once completed, supporting agriculture, commerce, and regional cooperation.

The House’s decision reflects the legislature’s willingness to back executive requests deemed essential for national development, despite broader concerns over the country’s rising debt profile.

Critics have often called for careful scrutiny of foreign loans to ensure transparency and value for money, a position that remains relevant as Nigeria navigates its fiscal challenges.

This latest approval adds to the list of infrastructure-focused borrowings the National Assembly has considered in recent times.

The green light for the $516.333 million facility underscores the priority placed on completing strategic road projects capable of transforming connectivity across Nigeria.

As the nation pushes for better infrastructure, the successful implementation of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway could mark a significant step towards a more integrated and economically vibrant country.