President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the rehabilitation of the Bama ‒ Banki and Dikwa ‒ Gamboru Ngala Roads, marking a pivotal moment for the North-East region.
These projects, described as strategic investments, are set to restore critical infrastructure, bolster security, and ignite economic growth in an area long affected by insurgency.
Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized that these initiatives fulfill his administration’s commitment to rebuilding vital infrastructure.
The roads are expected to significantly improve connectivity, strengthen
regional integration, and foster sustainable development across the North-East.
The contracts for these crucial projects have been awarded to Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, under the innovative Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, with Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited serving as the subcontractor.
This partnership underscores a collaborative approach to national development.
President Tinubu highlighted the broader implications of these strategic road corridors, noting that they will enhance access to neighboring Cameroon and the Republic of Chad.
This improved connectivity is anticipated to unlock new avenues for trans-Saharan trade, expand cross-border commerce, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services.
Crucially, these roads are also expected to significantly improve security and
support the socio-economic recovery of communities devastated by insurgency.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, lauded the commencement of
these projects as a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure renewal.
He explained that these roads are integral to the administration’s four legacy infrastructure projects, strategically distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel times, and strengthen economic ties with neighboring countries.
Stakeholders, including Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and traditional rulers, expressed profound appreciation for President Tinubu’s vision.
Governor Zulum emphasized the projects’ strategic importance to the economic recovery and security of the North-East, foreseeing strengthened commercial and social bonds with
Cameroon and Chad.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/CEO of the Dangote Group, commended the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme as a transformative financing model and
reaffirmed his company’s readiness to undertake further projects in support of national development.
Upon completion, the Bama‒Banki and Dikwa‒Gamboru Ngala Roads are poised to revolutionize mobility, stimulate cross- border commerce, attract investment, and unlock unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity throughout the NorthEast and Nigeria as a whole.
