Tinubu flags off N137bn Borno Road projects to boost trade, security

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki Road and the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road in Borno State, a N137 billion infrastructure project aimed at revitalising regional trade, improving security and accelerating economic recovery in Nigeria’s North-East.

Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony, Tinubu said the strategic road projects would restore critical transport links, facilitate agricultural and commercial activities, and strengthen security operations in the insurgency-affected region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project corridor is located in the northeastern part of the country, stretching through Borno State to the border with the Republic of Cameroon. The existing road is a two-lane, single-carriageway spanning about 49.15 kilometres from Bama to Banki.

Describing the roads as vital to regional integration, Tinubu said the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala corridors were crucial to reviving the trans-Saharan trade route linking Nigeria with Chad and the Republic of Cameroon, which was disrupted by years of insurgency.

“Bad roads are also a security risk. A corridor that is difficult for citizens to travel is equally difficult for security personnel to patrol and protect.

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

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, whose company is executing the projects, said the roads form part of 12 major road projects covering more than 1,000 kilometres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones under the Federal Government’s Roads Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

According to Dangote, the projects have a combined value of about N3 trillion and are designed to unlock economic opportunities, facilitate military operations, improve security and attract investment.

Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, disclosed that the contracts were initially awarded in 2021 at a combined cost of about N55 billion but suffered delays due to insecurity in the area.

He explained that following a review, the Bama–Banki Road was revalued at N70 billion, while the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road now stands at N67 billion.

Umahi said the roads would be constructed using concrete pavement technology, noting that the system offers greater durability, lower maintenance costs and better value for public funds.

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

The minister also described the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road as part of the Trunk A3 highway, a major north-south transport corridor linking Port Harcourt, Aba, Otukpo, Makurdi, Lafiya, Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Potiskum, Maiduguri, Dikwa and Gamboru-Ngala before terminating at the Cameroon border.

According to him, the completed roads will ease the movement of farm produce, stimulate trade, improve transportation, support businesses and provide security agencies with better operational access.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, welcomed the intervention, describing the projects as critical to the state’s post-insurgency recovery and economic revitalisation.

He said the roads would strengthen cross-border trade and expand economic activities with Chad, Cameroon and the Niger Republic.