Tinubu launches massive N137bn infrastructure overhaul with road renovation initiatives in Borno

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President Bola Tinubu on Saturday flagged off N137bn road rehabilitation projects in Borno State, saying the roads will boost trade, agricultural activities and security operations when completed.

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The projects are the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki Road and the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road.

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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the project area is located in the North-East and borders the Republic of Cameroon. The existing Bama–Banki Road is a two-lane single carriageway measuring 49.15 kilometres and runs from Bama town to the Cameroon border.

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Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the flag-off ceremony, Tinubu said the two roads were critical to restoring trans-Saharan trade between Nigeria and neighbouring Chad and Cameroon, which had been disrupted by insurgency.

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“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.

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

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

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Dangote said the projects were valued at about N3tn and noted that the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala roads would open up the economy, facilitate military operations, improve security and attract investment.

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the projects were first awarded in 2021 at a combined cost of about N55bn but were delayed due to insecurity.

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He explained that the contracts were later reviewed, with the Bama–Banki Road now valued at N70bn and the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road at N67bn.

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Umahi said the roads would be constructed using concrete pavement technology because of its durability, longer lifespan, lower maintenance requirements and better value for money.

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According to him, the projects also include the construction and maintenance of bridges, installation of road furniture, traffic safety facilities and other ancillary infrastructure.

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He added that the Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala Road forms part of the Trunk A3 highway linking Port Harcourt through Aba, Otukpo, Makurdi, Lafia, Akwanga, Jos, Bauchi, Potiskum, Maiduguri and Dikwa to the Cameroon border.

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The minister said the roads would improve the movement of agricultural produce, facilitate trade, enhance transportation, boost businesses and improve access for security agencies.

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Also speaking, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, described the projects as crucial to the state’s recovery efforts, saying they would expand economic activities with Chad, Cameroon and the Republic of Niger.

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