The Federal Government has officially flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki Road and the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road in Borno State, describing the projects as critical components of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's strategy to strengthen security, restore economic activities and improve regional connectivity in the North-East.
The projects were inaugurated on Saturday at Muna City Gate, Km 10 along the Maiduguri–Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road, his Senior Special Assistant on work, on Media, Francis Nwaze, said on Sunday in a statement.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the road projects reflect President Tinubu's commitment to completing long-abandoned strategic infrastructure and using development as a tool for restoring peace and prosperity.
According to Umahi, the President has demonstrated exceptional resolve by reviving projects that had remained stalled for years.
He noted that while the Kano–Maiduguri Road project was originally awarded in 2006 and the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala roads in 2021, it was the Tinubu administration that had moved decisively to ensure their execution.
The minister stressed that the projects are not merely about road construction but form part of a broader national security agenda.
He explained that the roads would improve access to neighbouring Chad and Cameroon while providing the military with better mobility to sustain operations against the remnants of insurgency in the North-East.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima underscored the link between infrastructure development and national security, describing the projects as having significant strategic importance.
According to him, poor roads constitute security risks because they hinder both civilian movement and security operations, making it difficult for security personnel to effectively patrol and protect communities.
Shettima also commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, for driving the implementation of the projects.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, described the commencement of the projects as another milestone in the state's recovery from years of insurgency.
He said the roads would reconnect communities affected by conflict, facilitate movement, improve access to markets and essential services, and reinforce ongoing efforts to restore normalcy across the state.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, attributed the successful take-off of the projects to the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the private sector.
He praised Umahi's leadership, describing him as "the conqueror" for his determination to overcome challenges in delivering infrastructure projects.
Dangote also described the minister as a hands-on administrator who actively engages contractors and personally works through technical challenges to ensure projects remain on track.
He disclosed that the Dangote Group is currently constructing about 12 road projects across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, covering more than 1,000 kilometres at a combined investment exceeding ₦3 trillion in concrete road infrastructure.
Dangote assured the Federal Government of the company's readiness to undertake more infrastructure projects, noting that it remains one of the country's highest taxpayers.
hairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, described the Bama–Banki Road as historic and commended President Tinubu for giving it the attention and urgency it deserved.
Similarly, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, praised the cordial relationship between the Federal Ministry of Works and the National Assembly, saying the collaboration had contributed significantly to effective project implementation.
The rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala roads is expected to improve regional trade, enhance military operations, reconnect communities affected by insurgency, and strengthen economic activities along Nigeria's borders with Chad and Cameroon.