President Bola Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 98.7-kilometre Maiduguri–Gamboru/Ngala–Banki road project in Borno State, describing the highways as critical to economic growth, regional integration and security in Nigeria’s North-East.
The twin border roads linking Nigeria to Cameroon will be constructed by businessman Aliko Dangote under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme at an estimated cost of N70 billion.
Represented at the groundbreaking ceremony in Maiduguri by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the project comprises the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru/Ngala road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki road.
He said the highways would reconnect communities, improve access to neighbouring countries, facilitate cross-border trade, ease the movement of agricultural produce and strengthen security operations in a region emerging from years of insurgency.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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,” Shettima said on behalf of the President.
He described the Bama–Banki corridor as strategically important for agriculture, commerce and national security, adding that the Dikwa–Gamboru/Ngala road aligns with the administration’s plan to restore economic confidence across Borno State.
Shettima also commended Governor Babagana Zulum for sustaining infrastructure development and fostering cooperation 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. You are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” he said.
In his remarks, Zulum thanked Tinubu for approving the projects and other interventions in the state, saying they demonstrate the administration’s commitment to the recovery, peace and development of the North-East.
“The successful commencement of this project reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. We 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.
Zulum also pledged Borno State’s political support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“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 acknowledged Dangote’s humanitarian interventions in the state through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, citing the construction of Dangote Village, donations to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Borno State Government following the 2024 flood disaster, as well as relief support for victims of insurgency and natural disasters.