Gboyega Isiaka, representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, says the Badagry–Sokoto superhighway will unlock economic opportunities for border communities and reposition the South-West as a major trade and industrial gateway.
Isiaka spoke to newsmen on Friday in Imeko on the sidelines of a formal reception for defected leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress in Imeko Afon local government area of Ogun.
The House Committee Chairman on National Planning and Economic Development noted that the highway’s passage through Owode-Afon and its linkage to Imeko-Afon would significantly boost economic activities in the area.
According to him, the scale of the Badagry–Sokoto project reflects a deliberate economic strategy by the federal government under President Bola Tinubu to drive growth through infrastructure development.
He described the road as a strategic economic corridor linking coastal trade in Badagry with agricultural and commercial hubs in the North, while opening up border towns previously excluded from national economic planning.
Isiaka added that the highway, connecting Owode in Ogun to Badagry and extending to sub-Saharan trade routes, would strengthen Nigeria’s participation in regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He said the project would improve access to markets, reduce transportation costs, enhance food supply chains and create opportunities for agro-processing, logistics and light manufacturing.
The lawmaker commended Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure-led industrialisation, noting that efficient logistics were essential to productivity, food security and national competitiveness.
“This project shows an understanding of development as a system. Infrastructure remains the backbone of industrial growth and economic integration,” he said.
Isiaka urged party members to complement political growth with responsible leadership and effective service delivery.
He also called for unity within the party in Ogun, expressing optimism that the APC would record decisive victories in the 2027 general elections based on governance, infrastructure delivery and inclusive politics.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the defected leaders included Lisa Adejobi and Mujjidat Balogun
NAN/FLOWERBUDNEWS