Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has raised concerns over the exclusion of major road corridors in Borno State from the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 “legacy” infrastructure projects.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a formal letter dated February 11, 2026, and addressed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, Ndume criticised what he described as an incomplete design of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe road project as presented in the 2026 budget.
According to the senator, the road corridor currently terminates in Gombe, without extending to key transit routes linking Biu, Damboa and Maiduguri in Borno State—areas he said are vital to regional connectivity, trade and security.
In the letter, Ndume wrote:
“I write to draw your attention to a concern in the 2026 budget presentation where in page 8 (a) of your presentation under the 4 Legacy Projects of Renewed Hope Administration the road project from Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe terminates in Gombe without an inroad to Biu/Damboa/Maiduguri all in Borno State.”
He also pointed to the political significance of Borno State in the 2023 general elections, arguing that the state deserves greater consideration under the current administration.
“The Hon Minister may recall that of the six states of the North East, Mr President won only in Borno State in the 2023 general elections which led to the Renewed Hope Administration and I therefore believe that Borno State should be the primary beneficiary,” he stated.
Ndume further noted that Borno State has not benefited from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) tax credit road projects.
“Moreso, Borno is still not part of the NNPCL FUNDED TAX CREDITS road projects. I therefore request for your intervention in coming to the aid of our failed and critical roads in Borno State,” the letter added.
The senator urged the Ministry of Works to review the scope of the legacy project and incorporate the omitted Borno corridors, stressing that improved road infrastructure is crucial for the state’s economic recovery, security and long-term development.
