The Federal Government has commenced the rehabilitation of the Bama-Banki Road and the Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala Road in Borno State as part of efforts to improve transportation, strengthen security operations, and revive economic activities across Nigeria’s North-East.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, officially flagged off the projects on Saturday during a ceremony in Borno State. According to the Presidency, the road projects are expected to reconnect communities affected by insurgency, enhance cross-border trade, and support post-conflict recovery.
Speaking at the event, Shettima described the highways as strategic national assets that would improve commerce, agriculture, security, and regional integration. “Roads are the lifeline of our commercial activities. They determine whether farmers reach markets, traders reach customers, children get to school, patients access healthcare, and security personnel can respond effectively,” he said.
The Vice President noted that the Tinubu administration considers infrastructure development a national priority, stressing that poor road networks increase business costs, isolate communities, and pose security challenges.
He added that rehabilitating the North-East’s road network would improve both economic opportunities and security operations, noting that difficult terrain also hampers the movement of security personnel. The projects will include reinforced concrete pavement, bridges, drainage systems, safety installations, and other supporting infrastructure designed to ensure long-term durability.
Shettima assured residents of Bama, Banki, Dikwa, Gamboru-Ngala, and neighbouring communities that the Federal Government remains committed to completing the projects.
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum said the rehabilitation would strengthen the state’s position as a commercial hub while improving trade links with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republic.
He thanked the Federal Government for its continued support towards rebuilding the region. Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed that the contracts, initially awarded in 2021 at over ₦55 billion, were reviewed due to prevailing economic conditions.
He said the Bama-Banki Road is now valued at over ₦70 billion, while the first phase of the Dikwa-Gamboru Road is estimated at about ₦67 billion. Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, whose company is supporting the projects under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme, described the initiative as a major boost for regional connectivity and trade.
He noted that the group has constructed more than 1,000 kilometres of roads worth over ₦3 trillion nationwide and pledged continued support for infrastructure development.
The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, also commended the projects, saying they would strengthen Nigeria’s connection to the Trans-Saharan trade corridor while improving security and economic development across the North-East.
