The Federal Government has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama-Banki and Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala roads in Borno State as part of efforts to reopen trade corridors and accelerate post-insurgency recovery in the North-East.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who performed the flag-off on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday, said the projects reflect the administration’s commitment to restoring mobility, boosting commerce, and reconnecting communities affected by insecurity.
“Roads are the live wire of our commercial engagements,” VP Shettima said.
“They determine whether the farmer reaches the market, the child reaches school, the patient reaches care, and security agencies reach communities in time.”
He noted that bad roads raise food costs, isolate communities, and create security risks by limiting patrols. The VP added that the reinforced concrete pavement planned for the corridors shows the government’s focus on durability and value.
Governor Babagana Zulum said the roads will boost economic activities in Borno and neighbouring Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the projects, first awarded in 2021, are now valued at over N70 billion and N67 billion for phase 1.
Aliko Dangote, whose group is funding the projects through tax credits, described the initiative as historic for West African connectivity.
