President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road, describing the projects as vital to economic growth, regional integration, and improved security in Borno State and the North-East.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Saturday along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, where the President was represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.
Speaking at the event, Shettima said the road projects demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that will improve connectivity, promote cross-border trade, and support security operations in the region.
He noted that the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala corridors are strategic routes for agriculture, commerce, and national security, adding that the projects will reconnect communities and restore economic confidence across Borno State.
The Vice President also praised Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, describing him as one of Nigeria’s best-performing governors for his commitment to infrastructure development and his strong partnership with the Federal Government.
In his remarks, Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other key interventions aimed at rebuilding Borno State after years of insurgency.
He said infrastructure remains central to his administration’s development agenda, highlighting ongoing investments in roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other public infrastructure across the state.
The governor reaffirmed Borno State’s political support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election and commended Vice President Shettima for his continued commitment to the reconstruction and development of the state.
Zulum also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, citing donations made to internally displaced persons, flood victims, and reconstruction efforts following the 2024 flood disaster.
He assured residents that the road projects would be closely monitored to ensure quality execution and value for money while appealing to the Federal Ministry of Works to grant the state a waiver to regulate heavy-duty trucks using the roads.
Earlier, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi 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 top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, APC leaders, members of the Borno State Executive Council, and other dignitaries.
