FG Reopens Strategic Borno Trade Corridors as Shettima Flags Off Key Road Projects

The Federal Government on Saturday officially flagged off the reconstruction of two major highways in Borno State, describing the projects as critical infrastructure that will restore economic activities, improve security operations and reconnect communities devastated by years of insurgency.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima launched the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki Road and the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road, saying the strategic corridors are central to the administration's efforts to rebuild the North-East and strengthen regional trade with neighbouring countries.

Speaking during the flag-off, Shettima said the roads would serve as vital economic arteries linking farming communities to markets, improving access to essential services and enhancing the operational effectiveness of security agencies combating insurgency and cross-border crime.

"Roads are the lifeblood of our commercial engagements. They determine whether the farmer reaches the market, the trader reaches the customer, the child reaches school, the patient reaches care, and security agencies reach communities in time," the Vice President said.

He noted that the rehabilitation of the two highways would significantly improve cross-border commerce with Cameroon, Chad and Niger, while also facilitating faster deployment of security personnel across vulnerable border communities.

According to him, poor road infrastructure not only hampers economic development but also creates security vulnerabilities by limiting the movement of security forces.

"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," he added.

Shettima explained that the projects would be executed using reinforced concrete pavement and would include the construction of bridges, drainage systems, road safety facilities and strict quality supervision to ensure durability and value for public funds.

He assured residents of Bama, Banki, Dikwa, Gamboru-Ngala and surrounding communities that the Tinubu administration remains committed to completing the projects, stressing that government promises only become meaningful when citizens can experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.

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

The Vice President commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for sustaining collaboration with the Federal Government on infrastructure development and acknowledged the commitment of officials of the Federal Ministry of Works toward ensuring the projects take off successfully.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, described the reconstruction of the roads as a major boost for economic recovery in the state, noting that the highways would reopen vital commercial routes linking Nigeria with neighbouring countries and stimulate business activities across the Lake Chad region.

He thanked President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development in the North-East and also expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group for its humanitarian and developmental interventions in Borno State.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that both road projects were initially awarded in 2021 at a combined contract sum of about ₦55 billion but had to be reviewed because of prevailing economic realities and increased construction costs.

Umahi said the first phase of the Bama–Banki Road is now estimated at about ₦70 billion, while the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road is projected to cost approximately ₦67 billion.

He praised President Tinubu for insisting on the completion of abandoned infrastructure projects across the country despite prevailing economic challenges.

"He is a great thinker and a person who is poised to do the unthinkable. Under his watch, these projects will be actualised," Umahi said.

Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, described the projects as a strategic investment that would expand economic opportunities, improve access to the trans-Saharan trade corridor and support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the North-East.

Also speaking, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, whose company is supporting aspects of the projects under the Federal Government's Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, said improved road infrastructure would deepen economic integration across West and Central Africa.

Dangote said the company has completed more than 1,000 kilometres of roads valued at over ₦3 trillion, adding that it remains committed to partnering with government to close Nigeria's infrastructure gap.

"This is a historic occasion that boosts connectivity in West Africa," he said.

Shettima also commended the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and the Borno State Commissioner for Works and Housing, Adam Balarabe, for their contributions toward advancing the projects.

Following the flag-off ceremony, the Vice President attended the wedding fatiha of five sons of businessman Alhaji Ali "Empire" Gujja and also participated in the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Alhaji Bala Mohammed Bukar, where he stood in for the bride's father while Governor Zulum represented the groom's family.

The Vice President prayed for peaceful and successful marriages for the newlyweds, rounding off a visit that combined infrastructure development with community engagement in Borno State.