FG Flags Off Rehabilitation Of Key Borno Roads

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

The projects were flagged off on Saturday by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shettima said the road projects demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to restoring mobility, rebuilding economic confidence and reconnecting communities affected by years of insecurity and infrastructural neglect.

He noted that the roads would strengthen cross-border trade, improve access for security agencies and support economic recovery across the region.

“Roads are the live wire of our commercial engagements. They determine whether the farmer reaches the market, the trader reaches the customer, the child reaches school, the patient reaches care, and security agencies reach communities in time,” the Vice President said.

He added that poor road infrastructure increases the cost of doing business, isolates communities and poses security challenges, stressing that rehabilitating the roads is both an economic and security intervention.

Shettima assured residents of Bama, Banki, Dikwa, Gamboru-Ngala and neighbouring communities that the projects would be completed.

“Promises acquire meaning when citizens can drive on the roads, move their goods, reach their families, and live with greater security,” he said.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum described the projects as critical to boosting economic activities within the state and strengthening trade with Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.

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He thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for the development and security of the North-East.

Minister of Works David Umahi said the projects, initially awarded in 2021, had been reviewed to reflect current costs and expressed confidence that they would be completed under the Tinubu administration.

Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, whose company is supporting the projects through the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme, said the roads would enhance regional trade and connectivity with neighbouring countries. He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting infrastructure development across Nigeria.