The Federal Government has commenced the reconstruction of two major highways in Borno State with a combined value of N137 billion, in a move aimed at improving security, reviving commerce and reconnecting communities in Nigeria’s North-East.
The projects, officially flagged off by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, cover the Bama–Banki Road and the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road, both strategic corridors linking Nigeria to neighbouring Cameroon.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shettima described the road projects as critical infrastructure that would enhance military operations, restore economic activities and improve access to essential services in communities affected by years of insurgency.
He noted that efficient road networks are essential for agriculture, trade, healthcare, education and security, stressing that poor infrastructure has continued to hinder economic growth and emergency response in the region.
According to the Vice-President, rehabilitating the roads would reconnect isolated communities, facilitate the movement of security personnel and strengthen cross-border trade with neighbouring countries.
Minister of Works David Umahi said the projects reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country. He disclosed that the contracts, initially awarded in 2021, had been reviewed due to rising construction costs, with the Bama–Banki project now valued at over N70 billion and the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala road exceeding N67 billion.
Umahi expressed confidence that the projects would be completed under the current administration, describing them as vital to the economic recovery of the North-East.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, whose company is executing the projects under the Federal Government’s Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, said the roads form part of a broader infrastructure programme spanning more than 1,000 kilometres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
He said the projects, valued at about N3 trillion under the tax credit scheme, would improve regional connectivity, support military operations, stimulate economic activities and attract investment.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum welcomed the intervention, describing the highways as crucial to the state’s post-insurgency recovery efforts.
According to him, the completed roads will strengthen trade links between Nigeria and neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic while expanding economic opportunities for communities across the region.
(The Whistler)
