President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the rehabilitation of two major federal roads in Borno State valued at N137 billion, saying the projects will enhance trade, agricultural activities and security operations in the North-East upon completion.

The projects comprise the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki Road and the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road, both strategic corridors linking Nigeria with neighbouring Cameroon.

Represented at the ceremony by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the President said the roads are critical to restoring trans-Saharan trade between Nigeria and neighbouring Chad and Cameroon, which had been disrupted by years of insurgency.

He noted that poor road infrastructure also poses security challenges by limiting the movement of both residents and security personnel.

“Promises acquire meaning when citizens can drive on the roads, move their goods, reach their families and live with greater security,” Tinubu said.

President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, whose company is executing the projects, said the group is currently handling 12 major road projects spanning more than 1,000 kilometres across Nigeria under the Federal Government’s Roads Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

According to him, the projects, valued at about N3 trillion, will stimulate economic activities, improve security, facilitate military operations and attract investment to the region.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the contracts were initially awarded in 2021 at a combined cost of about N55 billion but were delayed by insecurity.

He explained that following a review, the Bama–Banki Road is now valued at N70 billion, while the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road will cost N67 billion.

Umahi said both roads would be constructed using concrete pavement technology because of its durability, longer lifespan, lower maintenance requirements and overall cost-effectiveness.

He added that the projects include the construction and maintenance of bridges, installation of road furniture, traffic safety facilities and other supporting infrastructure.

According to the minister, the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road forms part of the Trunk A3 highway linking Port Harcourt through Aba, Otukpo, Makurdi, Lafia, Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Potiskum, Maiduguri and Dikwa to the Cameroon border, making it a key economic and strategic route.

Also speaking, Babagana Umara Zulum described the projects as vital to Borno State’s recovery efforts, saying they would strengthen cross-border trade and expand economic activities with Chad, Cameroon and the Republic of Niger.

(Photo Credit: Peoples Gazette Nigeria)