By Gbenga Akingbule .
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the weekend launched the reconstructiion of key roads in Borno State connecting Repubulic of Cameroon and Republic Chad with the aim of enhancing security, curbing the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, and boosting cross-border commerce.
Gatekeepers News reports that the commencement of the reconstruction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki road projects will open up greater access for securiy operatives to operate and take out ememies of the state with ease , government officials said .
Vice President , Sen. Kashim Shettima who represented rhe President at the occassion in Maiduguri, the state capital said road infrastructure is inseperable from lasting peace and good roads will enhace the reach of security forces .
Sen. Shettima revealed that Federal could not seat back and watch ” while damaged routes undermine the saceifices of our people and security forces . We’re embarking construction and rehablitation because succur poses physical form in the daily lives of our citizens .
According to Sen. Shettima , ” 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.”
The Vice President revealed rhat President Tinubu, has made infrastructure a central priority noting that ” this is what Mr. President promised Nigerians, and I’m here today to affirm our readiness to redeem the promise and to convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us,” he said .
The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, said the road projects have been divided into Phases One and Two. He disclosed that the contractor has been given six months to complete the project.
Sen. Umahi who was a two- term Governor in Ebonyi State explained that the Dikwa- Ngala road was intially 49.55kilometers and awarded in 2021 for a total contract sum of N55.5 billion but that project could not commence due to insecuriry . He stated that same fate befell the N51 billin total contract sum of 49.13 kilimeters
Bama – Banki road project.
” What we have done is to quicly stay within the contract sum as awarded , we had to review the Dikwa – Ngala to scope it phases one and two . 32.25 kilometers for a contract sum of N70 billion leaving out about 17 kilometers for phase 2 .
” For Bama – Bank road , we have phased it into 32.25 kilometers for N67 billion and leavig about 17 kilometers again for phase 2 ” the Miniters said , adding that phases one and two is expected to be completed within the contract time line .
He added that contract which was awarded Dangote Industries Ltd would be executed under the Federal Government Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme and that the road projet will adopt Concrete Technology System of CRCP ( Continious Reinforced Concrete Pavement) .
The Founder and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote applauded President Tinubu for cosidering local indiginious private enterprise in the execution of critical infrastructure projects.
” I will like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to to His Excelkency , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Thank you for granting the Dangote Group the oppourtunity to parthner with your administration and to contribute directly to bolstering Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape .
” Your unwavering belief in the capacity of indeginious private enterprice to drive national growth has been the catalyst for the milestone we’re celebrating today ” Dangote said
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other critical interventions in Borno State.
“The successful commencement of these 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 unwavering commitment to the development, peace, and security of the North East and Nigeria as a whole.
“Borno State Government recognizes that infrastructure remains a critical foundation for development. Since assuming office, our administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure as part of our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” he said .
