From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has launched the construction of a 7.1-kilometre dual carriageway, a new bridge, and the state’s fourth flyover in Maiduguri to enhance connectivity following the devastating September 2024 floods.
The projects, aimed at improving transport links between the city’s central business district and its outskirts, address the isolation caused by the floods, which cut off the business zone for a week.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony along Tashan Kano, Zulum said, “What we are doing is not only for beautification but also to accommodate the increasing population growth in Maiduguri. We must expand the city.”
The flyover, located at the congested Post Office area, is budgeted at over ₦16 billion, while the 7.1-kilometre road and a six-span bridge along the Tashan Kano-Damboa road cost ₦4 billion, totalling ₦20 billion. Zulum urged the Chinese contractors, Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC), to deliver quality work within the 10-month timeline, stating, “Ten months is 10 months; we have paid 50% of the contract amount. So, the contractor has no excuse for delaying the project.” He added that ₦8 billion has been set aside to complete payments.
The projects are expected to create jobs, ease traffic, and improve access to economic zones, schools, and healthcare facilities. Zulum also addressed Maiduguri’s water shortage, caused by flood-damaged infrastructure, assuring residents of ongoing repairs.