FG flags off Borno road rehabilitation to restore trade, boost security
The federal government has flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru-Ngala roads in Borno State, describing the projects as strategic investments aimed at restoring trade, improving security and accelerating post-insurgency recovery in the North-East.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony on behalf of President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, said the projects demonstrate the administration’s commitment to reconnecting communities, rebuilding economic confidence and improving mobility in areas affected by years of insurgency.
Shettima said the roads would enhance cross-border trade with neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic while improving access for security agencies across the region.
“Roads are the live wire of our commercial engagements. They determine whether the farmer reaches the market, the trader reaches the customer, the child reaches school, the patient reaches care, and security agencies reach communities in time,” he said.
The Vice President noted that the Tinubu administration has made infrastructure development a priority because poor road networks increase the cost of doing business, isolate communities and undermine economic growth.
According to him, road infrastructure is critical to both economic development and security in a region still recovering from insurgency.
“Bad roads are also a security risk. A corridor that is difficult for citizens to travel is equally difficult for security personnel to patrol and protect,” Shettima said.
He described the Bama-Banki corridor as a route of “special strategic weight,” adding that the Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala road is equally important in reconnecting communities and restoring public confidence across Borno State.
