By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Government has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala roads in Borno State, saying the projects are aimed at strengthening security, reviving economic activities and accelerating post-insurgency recovery in the North-East.
At the flag -off over the weekend,the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the rehabilitation reflects President Bola Tinubu’s interest in completing long-abandoned strategic road projects and using infrastructure as a catalyst for peace, development and regional integration.
Umahi explained that several road projects awarded years ago had remained unfinished until the current administration revived them, including sections of the Kano–Maiduguri Highway and the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala roads.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Umahi, said the projects are not only intended to improve transportation but also form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to combat insecurity by enhancing military mobility and connecting communities to neighbouring Chad and Cameroon.
Represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, said quality road infrastructure is essential to national security, stressing that poor roads hinder both civilian movement and security operations.
He described the roads as projects of significant strategic importance and commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, for driving their implementation.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, described the flag-off as another milestone in the state’s recovery from insurgency, saying the roads would reconnect affected communities, improve access to markets and essential services, and restore hope to residents.
In his remarks, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, attributed the commencement of the projects to the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the private sector.
He praised Umahi’s leadership and commitment to infrastructure delivery, describing him as a hands-on administrator who remains actively involved in resolving project challenges.
Dangote disclosed that his company is currently executing about 12 road projects across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, covering more than 1,000 kilometres of concrete roads with a combined investment exceeding ₦3 trillion, adding that the company is prepared to undertake more road projects.
