Tinubu flags off N70bn border roads project in Borno

Tinubu flags off N70bn border roads project in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off a N70 billion border roads project under the federal government’s tax credit scheme in Borno State.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote will construct the 98.7-kilometre twin border roads to Cameroon and Chad in 18 months.

Commencing the construction of the concrete twin border roads at the Maiduguri Muna Garage, Tinubu, represented by his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, disclosed that the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru/Ngala road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki road are economically strategic highways and critical to what he described as ‘economic growth, regional integration, and national security in the Northeast region of the country.

The two-road project is regarded as the socio-economic lifeline of the North-East, stating that it serves as a key gateway to neighbouring African countries, which will bolster cross-border trade, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and strengthen security operations in a region recovering from the 17-year Boko Haram insurgency.

The groundbreaking event was held along the 49.55-kilometre Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala road, where President Tinubu was represented by the vice president, Kashim Shettima.

Shettima said the rehabilitation of the border roads with concrete laying would significantly improve connectivity and deliver on the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.

The VP said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made infrastructure a central priority.”

“This is what Mr President promised Nigerians, and I’m here today to affirm our readiness to redeem that promise and convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us.

“The Bama–Banki Corridor carries special strategic weight. It is a top route of agriculture, movement, and national security. The Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road belongs to the same vision of reconnecting communities and restoring economic confidence across Borno State,” he said. ”

Shettima commended Borno State governor Babagana Zulum for prioritising infrastructure development while maintaining a strong partnership with the federal government.

“The partnership between the federal government and Borno State shows what becomes possible when public institutions demonstrate the possibilities that arise when they unite in their commitment to the urgency of service. Certainly, Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” the Vice President stated.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other critical interventions in Borno State.

“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 the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his tireless dedication to the development, peace, and security of the North East and Nigeria as a whole,” said Zulum.

The governor also pledged the state’s political support for President Tinubu in the next presidential election of 2027.

Beyond the flag-off of two roads in the state, he added, “I want to assure the president and indeed the vice president that, Insha Allah, come January 2027, the people of Borno State will overwhelmingly vote him into office.”

The governor praised Vice President Shettima for his sustained support for the reconstruction and development of Borno State.

Zulum also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, particularly through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, during the state’s recovery from insurgency and the 2024 flood disaster.

He recalled the construction of Dangote Village, the donation of ₦1.5 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and ₦1 billion to the Borno State Government following the 2024 flood.