The Federal Government has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki Road and the Dikwa–Gamboru-Ngala Road in Borno State, describing the projects as strategic investments aimed at reopening key trade corridors, strengthening security operations and accelerating post-insurgency economic recovery in Nigeria’s North-East.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the flag-off ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the projects demonstrate the administration’s commitment to restoring mobility, rebuilding economic confidence and reconnecting communities affected by years of insurgency and deteriorating infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the roads would facilitate cross-border trade with neighbouring countries, enhance agricultural activities and improve the operational capacity of security agencies across the region.
He described road infrastructure as critical to economic growth and sustainable peace, noting that poor road networks impose significant costs on businesses, households and communities.
“Roads are the lifeline of our commercial engagements. They determine whether the farmer reaches the market, the trader reaches the customer, the child reaches school, the patient reaches healthcare, and security agencies reach communities in time,” Shettima said.
The Vice President noted that President Tinubu had prioritised infrastructure development because inadequate roads hinder commerce, increase the cost of food, isolate communities, discourage investment and weaken local economies.
He stressed that rehabilitating roads in the North-East is both an economic and security imperative, explaining that damaged road networks restrict the movement of civilians and security personnel alike.
“Bad roads are also a security risk. A corridor that is difficult for citizens to travel is equally difficult for security personnel to patrol and protect,” he added.
Shettima described the Bama–Banki corridor as a route of immense strategic importance, while noting that the Dikwa–Gamboru-Ngala Road is essential for reconnecting communities and restoring confidence across Borno State.
He said the projects would include the construction of bridges, drainage systems, road safety facilities and reinforced concrete pavements to ensure durability, quality execution and value for public funds.
The Vice President commended Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for prioritising infrastructure in the state’s reconstruction efforts, describing the collaboration between the federal and state governments as a model for effective governance.
He also 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 driving the implementation of the projects.
Assuring residents of Bama, Banki, Dikwa, Gamboru-Ngala and surrounding communities, Shettima pledged that the Federal Government would ensure the successful completion of the roads.
“Promises acquire meaning when citizens can drive on the roads, move their goods, reach their families, and live with greater security,” he said.
He added that the government would continue collaborating with the Borno State Government, contractors, host communities and other stakeholders to ensure the roads become corridors of commerce, security and renewed economic activity.
Earlier, Governor Zulum described infrastructure as the foundation of socio-economic development, expressing optimism that the projects would stimulate economic growth in Borno State and strengthen cross-border trade with Chad, Cameroon and the Niger Republic.
The governor thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the peace, security and development of the North-East, while pledging continued political support for the President.
Zulum also acknowledged the contributions of the Dangote Group to the state’s recovery efforts, including the provision of schools, healthcare facilities, food supplies worth over N2 billion and an additional N1.5 billion donation through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for flood victims in Borno State.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed that the two road projects, initially awarded in 2021 at a combined cost of over N55 billion, have been reviewed due to prevailing economic realities. He said the Bama–Banki Road is now valued at more than N70 billion, while Phase One of the Dikwa–Gamboru Road is estimated to cost N67 billion, bringing the total value of both projects to approximately N137 billion.
