The Federal Government on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure across the North-East as it flagged off the reconstruction of the Dikwa-Ngala and Bama-Banki roads in Borno State, describing the projects as strategic investments aimed at improving security, stimulating economic activities, and accelerating post-insurgency recovery.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the road projects underscore the administration’s determination to address infrastructure deficits that have long hindered development and economic growth in the region.
He said efficient road networks are indispensable to national development, noting that poor roads increase transportation and vehicle maintenance costs, disrupt trade, raise the prices of goods and services, and limit access to communities.
“We are not unaware of the importance of road infrastructure to our economy and our communities,” Shettima said. “When roads deteriorate, the economy suffers. Transporters spend more on vehicle repairs, households bear the burden through higher prices, citizens find it difficult to travel, while security personnel and emergency responders struggle to access vulnerable communities.”
The Vice President stressed that quality infrastructure is closely linked to peace, security, and national prosperity, adding that the Tinubu administration is pursuing an integrated transportation system that combines investments in roads, railways, aviation, and waterways to unlock economic opportunities across the country.
He commended the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for driving the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda and expressed confidence that the projects would be completed as scheduled.
Earlier, the Minister of Works said the reconstruction of the two strategic highways would improve connectivity, facilitate regional commerce, and strengthen security operations along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.
Umahi disclosed that both projects were initially awarded in 2021 but could not commence because of insecurity along the corridors.
According to him, the Federal Government reviewed the contracts to accelerate implementation and ensure effective delivery.
He explained that the Dikwa-Ngala road project had been restructured into phases, with the first phase covering about 32.25 kilometres at a revised contract value of about N67 billion, while similar adjustments were made to the Bama-Banki road project to fast-track construction.
The minister said the contractor had mobilised equipment to site and was ready to begin work simultaneously from different locations.
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“This project must commence without delay,” Umahi said, expressing confidence in the contractor’s preparedness to deliver the road.
He commended Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for providing logistical support to facilitate the projects, including the provision of quarry sites, crushing equipment, laterite, and construction support.
“I think other state governors should emulate this level of commitment to federal projects,” he said.
Umahi also praised President Tinubu for reviving and funding strategic infrastructure projects across the country, describing him as “a leader with the courage to undertake projects previously considered impossible.”
He said the projects would not only enhance trade with neighbouring Cameroon but also improve military mobility and consolidate security gains against insurgents in the North-East.
Governor Zulum described the projects as another milestone in the ongoing efforts to rebuild communities devastated by years of insurgency.
He said road infrastructure remains the foundation of sustainable development, noting that his administration has prioritised the construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure since assuming office.
“The commencement of these projects reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government in rebuilding our state,” the governor said.
Zulum thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the development of Borno and the North-East, and commended Vice President Shettima for his continued support for the state.
The governor also praised Senator Umahi for driving what he described as one of the most ambitious road infrastructure programmes in the country’s recent history.
He further acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of industrialist Aliko Dangote, particularly his support for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resettlement of communities displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.
According to Zulum, Dangote’s interventions have complemented government efforts to restore hope and livelihoods to victims of the insurgency.
The governor expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and declared that the people of Borno would support his re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election.
The Dikwa-Ngala and Bama-Banki roads are among the strategic federal highways linking Nigeria to neighbouring Cameroon and serve as critical corridors for trade, humanitarian operations, and military movements. Their reconstruction is expected to improve regional connectivity, enhance access to communities previously affected by insurgency, and support ongoing efforts to restore economic and social activities across the North-East.
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