President Bola Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the construction of the ₦210 billion Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala and Bama–Banki road projects, describing the highways as critical to economic growth, regional integration and national security, while commending Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, as one of Nigeria’s best-performing governors.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the groundbreaking ceremony along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, Tinubu said the projects underscored his administration’s commitment to delivering strategic infrastructure that would stimulate economic activities and improve security across the Northeast.
The two highways—the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road—are expected to boost cross-border trade with neighbouring countries, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and strengthen security operations in communities recovering from years of insurgency.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made infrastructure a central priority. This is what Mr President promised Nigerians, and I am here today to affirm our readiness to redeem that promise and convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us,” Shettima said.
He described the Bama–Banki corridor as strategically important for agriculture, transportation and national security, adding that the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road would reconnect communities and restore economic confidence across Borno State.
The Vice President also praised Governor Zulum for prioritising infrastructure and maintaining a productive partnership with the Federal Government.
“The partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State shows what becomes possible when public institutions are united by the urgency of service. Certainly, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” he said.
Responding, Zulum thanked Tinubu for approving the road projects and other interventions aimed at rebuilding Borno after years of insurgency.
“The successful commencement of this project reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. We deeply appreciate and remain eternally grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the development, peace and security of the North-East and Nigeria as a whole,” the governor said.
He said his administration had prioritised the rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities and other critical infrastructure to improve the lives of residents.
Zulum also pledged Borno’s political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“I want to assure the President and indeed the Vice President that, Insha Allah, come 2027, the people of Borno State will overwhelmingly vote him back into office,” he said.
The governor further commended Vice President Shettima for his sustained support for Borno’s reconstruction and acknowledged the humanitarian interventions of businessman Aliko Dangote through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, including support for internally displaced persons and victims of the 2024 flood.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said the road projects would be executed in two phases and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months.
Politics Pulse reports that the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala and Bama–Banki roads are regarded as strategic economic corridors linking Nigeria with neighbouring countries and are expected to enhance trade, improve security logistics and accelerate post-insurgency recovery across the Northeast.
