By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala roads in Borno State, describing the projects as strategic investments aimed at enhancing security, restoring economic activities and strengthening regional integration across Nigeria’s North-East.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony, Tinubu said the road projects fulfil his administration’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure capable of improving connectivity, facilitating trade and accelerating sustainable development.
The contracts were awarded to Dangote Industries Limited under the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, with Dantata & Sawoe Nigeria Limited serving as the subcontractor.
According to the President, the strategic road corridors will improve access to neighbouring Cameroon and Chad, opening new opportunities for trans-Saharan trade while enhancing the movement of people, goods and services. He added that the projects would also strengthen security and support the socio-economic recovery of communities affected by insurgency.
Tinubu urged all stakeholders to work closely with host communities to ensure the successful execution of the projects, assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue investing in infrastructure to drive economic growth and national development.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the projects as another milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal agenda. He said the roads form part of the administration’s four legacy infrastructure projects spread across the six geopolitical zones to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time and strengthen economic ties with neighbouring countries.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, said the projects would deliver significant economic, security, healthcare and tourism benefits, noting that they represent strategic investments designed to improve livelihoods and promote regional integration.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works, pledging continued legislative support for the successful completion of the projects.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, described the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme as a transformative financing model for critical infrastructure.
He disclosed that the company is currently executing 12 road projects worth about ₦3 trillion under the scheme and reaffirmed its readiness to undertake more projects in support of national development.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum said the roads would play a crucial role in improving security, reviving economic activities and strengthening commercial and social ties between Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. He thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for Borno State and the North-East.
Speaking on behalf of the Borno State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Shehu of Dikwa, representing Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, welcomed the initiative and assured the Federal Government of the support of traditional institutions throughout the implementation of the projects.
When completed, the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala road projects are expected to improve mobility, strengthen border security, expand cross-border commerce, attract investment and accelerate economic recovery across the North-East and beyond.
