"The projects reflect President Bola Tinubu's resolve to complete long-abandoned strategic road projects and deploy infrastructure as a tool for economic growth, peace and regional integration." Dave Umahi
The Federal Government, over the weekend flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala roads in Borno State.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during the flag off, described the projects as critical to improving security, boosting cross-border trade and accelerating post-insurgency recovery in the North-East.
Speaking at the ceremony, Umahi said the projects reflect President Bola Tinubu's resolve to complete long-abandoned strategic road projects and deploy infrastructure as a tool for economic growth, peace and regional integration.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said quality road infrastructure remains vital to national security, noting that poor roads impede both military operations and civilian movement. He described the projects as strategically important and commended Umahi and the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, for driving their execution.
Umahi explained that the rehabilitation forms part of the administration's renewed push to revive critical infrastructure abandoned for years, including sections of the Kano–Maiduguri Highway, to reconnect communities and strengthen links with neighbouring Chad and Cameroon.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister's Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the roads will enhance military mobility, improve transportation and support the Federal Government's broader efforts to tackle insecurity while stimulating economic activities in the region.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, described the projects as another major milestone in the state's recovery from insurgency, saying they would reconnect affected communities, improve access to markets and essential services, and restore hope to residents.
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 lauded Umahi's hands-on leadership and disclosed that his company is currently executing about 12 road projects across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, covering over 1,000 kilometres of concrete roads with investments exceeding ₦3 trillion, while expressing readiness to undertake more strategic road projects.(Naij news alert)
