President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala roads in Borno State as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring critical infrastructure, strengthening security, and expanding regional trade across Nigeria’s North-East.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, President Tinubu, who was represented at the flag-off ceremony by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, described the road projects as strategic investments aimed at fulfilling his administration’s campaign promise to rebuild vital infrastructure that enhances connectivity, drives economic growth, and promotes sustainable development.
The statement noted that the two contracts were awarded to Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd. under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, with Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited serving as the subcontractor.
President Tinubu said the strategic road corridors would improve access to neighbouring Cameroon and the Republic of Chad, opening up new opportunities for trans-Saharan trade while strengthening cross-border commercial activities.
He explained that beyond facilitating the movement of people, goods and services, the roads would significantly enhance security and accelerate the socio-economic recovery of communities affected by insurgency in the region.
The President urged all stakeholders to work closely with communities across the North-East to ensure the successful execution of the projects, assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure capable of stimulating economic growth and national development.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Senator David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the commencement of the projects as another milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal agenda.
Umahi explained that the roads form part of the administration’s four legacy infrastructure projects spread across the six geopolitical zones, noting that they are designed to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic integration with neighbouring countries.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., said the projects would deliver far-reaching economic, security, healthcare, and tourism benefits.
He described the roads as strategic investments that would promote regional integration, improve livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life of residents across the North-East, while commending President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the country through sustained infrastructure development.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, separately applauded the strong collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works.
They described the projects as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure development and pledged the continued legislative support of the National Assembly towards their successful completion.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, described the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme as a transformative model for financing critical infrastructure.
He disclosed that the Dangote Group is currently executing 12 road projects valued at about ₦3 trillion under the scheme and reaffirmed the company’s readiness to undertake additional projects in support of national development.
Dangote noted that quality roads and bridges stimulate economic activities, attract investments, and promote national prosperity, while commending the Minister of Works for his dedication to infrastructure delivery.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, described the projects as critical to the economic recovery and security of the North-East.
He said the roads would strengthen commercial and social ties with Cameroon and the Republic of Chad, while enhancing peace, security, and economic activities across the region. Governor Zulum also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support for Borno State and the North-East.
On behalf of the Borno State Council of Traditional Rulers, comprising the Emirates of Borno, Biu, Dikwa, and Gwoza, the Chairman of the Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa, welcomed the initiative.
He expressed confidence that the projects would deliver lasting socio-economic benefits to the affected communities and assured the Federal Government of the traditional institution’s full support throughout the implementation process.
The Federal Ministry of Works stated that the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala roads underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to renewing critical infrastructure, strengthening national security, expanding regional trade, and accelerating economic transformation.
It added that upon completion, the projects are expected to improve mobility, facilitate cross-border commerce, attract investment, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity across the North-East and Nigeria as a whole.
