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- Infrastructure remains Tinubu’s focus- Shettima
From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The Federal Government has started reconstruction of trans-border highway in Borno to boost trade with neighbouring African countries and improve effectiveness of military operations against terrorists and insurgents around the Lake Chad.
Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu, announced in Maiduguri weekend while flagging off reconstruction of the 49.55km Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and 49.15 km Bama–Banki Road. He said two roads were critical to regional trade and security.
“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 stated.
The VP said the roads will revive commerce with Nigeria’s neighbours Niger, Chad and Cameroon republic up to Sudan. He noted that the highway will also improve troops’ movement across the Lake Chad in Borno.
He said President Tinubu, prioritises upgrade and development of infrastructure. He described Borno governor, Babagana Zulum as a strong partner to the Federal Government.
Zulum in his remark the successful commencement of this project, reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State. He commended the president for his impact in the northeast.
“Borno State Government recognizes that infrastructure remains a critical foundation for development,” he said.
Minister of Works, Sen David Umahi, explained that the projects would be executed in two phases.
He urged the contractor to finish the project within the six months agreed, maintaining that “there won’t be an extension.”
The minister recalled that contracts for the rehabilitation and constriction of the two roads, were initially awarded in 2021 but could not be execured due to security challenge in the area.
He said the project is financed through the Tax Credit, will start in two locations. He promised to return to the state in August to inspect the progress of works on the site.
President of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said indigenous participating in infrastructural development will create direct and indirect jobs to Nigerian. He said Dangote Industries is handling 12 roads project across the country estimated to about 1000 kilometres and costing about three trillions.
He assured Fedetal Government and Borno State of steonger collaboration to improve infrastructure.
