By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government on Saturday flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama-Banki Road and Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala Road in Borno State, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The projects aim to restore trade routes, improve security, reconnect communities, and accelerate post-insurgency recovery across Nigeria’s North-East and neighbouring countries.
Road Projects to Reopen Strategic Trade Corridors
The Federal Government described the two highways as critical economic and security corridors for Borno State and the wider Lake Chad region.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Vice President Shettima said the projects demonstrate President Tinubu’s commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, restoring economic confidence, and improving mobility across the North-East.
He noted that the roads will strengthen cross-border trade with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger while improving access for security agencies.
“Roads are the lifeline of commerce. They connect farmers to markets, traders to customers, children to schools, patients to hospitals, and security personnel to vulnerable communities,” Shettima said.
Infrastructure Key to Economic Recovery
The Vice President stressed that infrastructure remains central to economic growth and lasting peace.
He explained that poor roads increase transportation costs, slow commercial activities, discourage investment, and isolate communities.
According to him, road rehabilitation also serves as a security intervention because accessible roads allow security agencies to patrol effectively and respond quickly during emergencies.
He added that damaged roads weaken both economic activities and security operations.
Projects Designed for Long-Term Durability
Shettima said the Bama-Banki and Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala roads will feature reinforced concrete pavement, bridges, drainage systems, and road safety facilities.
He explained that the design reflects the Federal Government’s focus on quality, durability, and value for public funds.
The Vice President assured residents that the projects would reach completion.
He said Nigerians would judge government promises by visible results, including safer roads, easier transportation, and stronger economic opportunities.
Shettima Commends Zulum, Umahi
The Vice President praised Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for prioritising infrastructure during the state’s reconstruction efforts.
He also commended Minister of Works David Umahi, Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo, and Borno State Commissioner for Works and Housing Adam Bukar Balarabe for advancing the projects.
Shettima said strong collaboration between the Federal Government and Borno State continues to deliver meaningful development.
Zulum Says Roads Will Boost Regional Trade
Governor Zulum said the projects will reposition Borno as a commercial hub and strengthen trade with neighbouring countries.
He described infrastructure as the foundation of socio-economic development and thanked President Tinubu for supporting peace, security, and development across the North-East.
The governor also pledged political support for the President in the 2027 election.
In addition, he appreciated the Dangote Group for donating schools, healthcare facilities, food supplies worth over N2 billion, and N1.5 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for flood relief.
Umahi Highlights Rising Project Costs
Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed that both projects were originally awarded in 2021 for more than N55 billion.
However, he said inflation and changing project realities increased the Phase One contract values to over N70 billion for the Bama-Banki Road and N67 billion for the Dikwa-Gamboru Road.
Umahi expressed confidence that President Tinubu would complete all abandoned infrastructure projects nationwide.
Senate, Dangote Back Initiative
Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, described the projects as a major boost for regional trade.
He said the roads will connect Nigeria to the Trans-Saharan trade corridor, stimulate economic growth, and improve security across the North-East.
Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, also welcomed the initiative.
He said the roads will strengthen commercial relations between Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.
Dangote revealed that his companies have completed more than 1,000 kilometres of roads valued at over N3 trillion through the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme.
He pledged continued private sector support for national infrastructure development.
Shettima Attends Wedding Fatiha in Maiduguri
After the flag-off ceremony, Vice President Shettima attended the wedding fatiha of five sons of his longtime associate, Alhaji Ali Gujja, popularly known as Empire.
He also attended the wedding of the daughter of another associate, Alhaji Bala Mohammed Bukar, in Maiduguri.
During one ceremony, Shettima represented the bride’s family, while Governor Zulum stood in for the groom’s family.
The Vice President prayed for peaceful and successful marriages for all the newlyweds.
