From Neglect to Progress: How Dangote’s Tax Credit Scheme is Reviving the Sagamu-Papalanto Highway and Driving Industrial Growth

For decades, the 100-kilometer Sagamu-Papalanto highway in Ogun State was a nightmare for motorists and businesses alike. Riddled with potholes, erosion, and failed sections, the once-vibrant trade route became a bottleneck for transportation, crippling economic activities and increasing logistics costs. It was a road of frustration, where truck drivers hauling goods—especially cement from the Dangote plant—struggled against long delays, vehicle breakdowns, and mounting losses.

But today, the landscape is changing. Courtesy of the Dangote Tax Refund Scheme, the road is undergoing a remarkable transformation, bringing relief to industries and commuters. This initiative, which allows private companies to invest in infrastructure in exchange for tax rebates, has turned what was once an impassable route into a symbol of progress.

A Highway Rebuilt, An Economy Reignited

As construction crews work tirelessly, the Sagamu-Papalanto corridor is taking on a new life. Smooth asphalt now replaces the rough, crumbling pavement. Wider lanes and reinforced shoulders are ensuring the highway can withstand heavy-duty trucks transporting goods across Nigeria. Drainage systems have been overhauled, reducing flooding and erosion—problems that once made travel treacherous during the rainy season.

For Dangote Cement, the impact is immediate. The reconstructed highway is improving the efficiency of product distribution, ensuring a seamless flow from the Dangote Cement Plant in Ibese to markets across the country. Reduced transit times mean lower transportation costs, less wear and tear on trucks, and ultimately, more competitive cement prices. It’s a win-win for both the industry and consumers.

A Testament to Public-Private Collaboration

This project serves as a beacon of what is possible when the private sector and government work together to drive infrastructural development. The Federal Government’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme is proving to be a game-changer, and the success of the Sagamu-Papalanto road raises hopes for similar initiatives across the country.

The reflection is clear—Nigeria’s roads don’t have to remain in disrepair. With strategic policies and corporate commitments, critical infrastructure can be revived, fueling industrial growth, boosting trade, and enhancing connectivity.

The Road Ahead

As the final phases of construction near completion, businesses, transporters, and local communities are already reaping the benefits. The Sagamu-Papalanto highway is no longer just a road; it is a conduit of commerce, a lifeline for industries, and a testament to visionary investment.

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