FG flags off road projects as strategic corridors for trade, security access in Borno

…to help post-insurgency recovery

… describes Zulum as the best-performing governor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road, describing the strategic highways as critical to economic growth, regional integration, and national security.

The two road projects, regarded as economic lifelines of the North-East, serve as key gateways to neighbouring African countries, bolstering cross-border trade, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, and strengthening security operations in a region recovering from over a decade of insurgency.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, where Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu.

The Vice President said the rehabilitation of the roads would improve connectivity and deliver on the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made infrastructure a central priority. This is what Mr President promised Nigerians, and I’m here today to affirm our readiness to redeem the promise and to convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us,” Shettima said.

“The Bama–Banki Corridor carries special strategic weight. It is a top route of agriculture, movement, and national security. The Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road belongs to the same vision of reconnecting communities and restoring economic confidence across Borno State.”

The Vice President also commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for prioritising infrastructure and maintaining a strong partnership with the Federal Government.

“The partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State shows what becomes possible when the urgency of service unites public institutions. Certainly, Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” the Vice President stated.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other critical interventions in Borno State.

“The successful commencement of this project reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. We deeply appreciate and remain eternally grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to the development, peace, and security of the North East and Nigeria as a whole,” Zulum remarked.

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“Borno State Government re-recognises that infrastructure remains a critical foundation for development. Since assuming office, our administration has prioritised the rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure as part of our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” he added.

Governor Zulum also pledged the state’s political support for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

“I want to assure the President and indeed the Vice President that, Insha Allah, come January 2027, the people of Borno State will overwhelmingly vote him into office.”

The governor equally praised Vice President Shettima for his sustained support towards the reconstruction and development of Borno State.

“Your Excellency, your personal interest in the reconstruction and development of our state continues to inspire confidence among our people. We sincerely appreciate your leadership and steadfast commitment.”

Zulum also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, particularly through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, during the state’s recovery from insurgency and the 2024 flood disaster.

Zulum assured that the road projects would be closely monitored to ensure value for money and strict compliance with quality standards. He also appealed to the Minister of Works to grant the Borno State Government a waiver to regulate the activities of heavy-duty truck drivers using the roads.

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Earlier, David Umahi, the Minister of Works, disclosed that the projects would be executed in two phases and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months.

The ceremony was attended by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; senators; members of the House of Representatives; the Shehu of Borno, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa; ministers; members of the Borno State House of Assembly; APC leaders; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service; the Acting Chief of Staff; commissioners; heads of government agencies; and other dignitaries.