FG Flags Off Rehabilitation of Bama-Banki, Dikwa-Gamboru Roads in Borno

FG Flags Off Rehabilitation of Bama-Banki, Dikwa-Gamboru Roads in Borno

The Federal Government has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama-Banki and Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala roads in Borno State, describing the projects as strategic corridors that will boost trade, agriculture, security operations and post-insurgency recovery in the North-East.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the flag-off ceremony on Saturday, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the projects underscore the administration’s commitment to restoring mobility, rebuilding economic confidence and reconnecting communities affected by years of insecurity and infrastructural decay.

Shettima noted that road infrastructure is central to achieving lasting peace and economic recovery in the region, stressing that improved roads would enhance cross-border trade while strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies.

“Roads are the lifeline of our commercial activities. They determine whether farmers can take their produce to the market, traders can reach customers, children can get to school, patients can access healthcare and security agencies can respond to communities in good time,” he said.

The Vice President observed that poor road networks increase the cost of doing business, raise food prices, discourage investment and isolate communities, adding that road rehabilitation in the North-East is both an economic and security necessity.

He described the Bama-Banki corridor as a route of significant strategic importance, while noting that the Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala road is equally critical to reconnecting communities and restoring confidence across Borno State.

According to him, the projects will include bridges, drainage systems, safety facilities and reinforced concrete pavement designed to ensure durability and value for public resources.

Shettima commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, for prioritising infrastructure in the state’s reconstruction efforts and praised the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, and the Borno State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Adam Bukar Balarabe, for their contributions to the projects.

He assured residents of Bama, Banki, Dikwa, Gamboru-Ngala and neighbouring communities that the Federal Government would ensure the projects are completed.

“Promises only have meaning when people can drive on these roads, transport their goods, reunite with their families and live in greater security,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Zulum said the road projects would reposition Borno as a major commercial hub, enhancing economic activities within the state and strengthening trade with Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.

He thanked President Tinubu for his continued commitment to the development, peace and security of the North-East, while reaffirming the state’s support for the administration.

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of the Dangote Group, noting that the company had supported Borno State with schools, healthcare facilities, food items worth over ₦2 billion, as well as ₦1.5 billion donated through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist flood victims.

Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed that the projects, first awarded in 2021 at over ₦55 billion, are now valued at more than ₦70 billion and ₦67 billion respectively for the first phase of the Bama-Banki and Dikwa-Gamboru road projects.

He expressed confidence that the Tinubu administration would complete the projects and other inherited infrastructure nationwide.

Also speaking, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno described the projects as critical to expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the Trans-Saharan trade corridor, while Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the roads would deepen trade relations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Dangote noted that his company, through the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme, remains committed to supporting critical infrastructure development, revealing that the group has executed over 1,000 kilometres of roads valued at more than ₦3 trillion across the country.

FG Flags Off Rehabilitation of Bama-Banki, Dikwa-Gamboru Roads in Borno