The Federal Government has commenced the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki Road and the Dikwa–Gamboru-Ngala Road in Borno State as part of efforts to restore economic activities, improve security access, and support post-insurgency recovery in the North-East.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the flag-off ceremony on Saturday, described the projects as strategic infrastructure interventions designed to reconnect communities, facilitate trade, and strengthen regional development.
According to the Vice President, the road projects are critical to enhancing agricultural productivity, cross-border commerce, and the movement of people and goods across the region.
He noted that road infrastructure remains central to economic growth and national security, stressing that poor road networks increase the cost of food, isolate communities, discourage investment, and limit the effectiveness of security operations.
Shettima said the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru-Ngala corridors reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to restoring mobility, rebuilding economic confidence, and supporting communities affected by years of insurgency.
The Vice President added that the projects would include bridges, drainage systems, safety facilities, and reinforced concrete pavements aimed at ensuring durability and value for public resources.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum welcomed the intervention, describing the projects as vital to repositioning the state as a hub for trade and economic activities. He noted that the roads would enhance commercial links between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, including Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republic.
Governor Zulum commended President Tinubu for his commitment to the development and security of the North-East, while reaffirming the state government’s support for ongoing federal infrastructure initiatives.
Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed that the projects, originally awarded in 2021, have undergone cost adjustments due to prevailing economic realities, with the first phases of the roads now valued at over ₦70 billion and ₦67 billion respectively.
He expressed confidence that the projects would be completed under the current administration, describing President Tinubu as committed to delivering critical infrastructure across the country.
Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, whose company is supporting the projects through a tax credit arrangement, said the roads would significantly strengthen trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries while promoting regional integration and economic growth.
The projects are expected to enhance connectivity, support commerce, improve security operations, and accelerate the recovery of communities affected by years of conflict in the North-East region.
