FG To Reopen Borno’s Trade Corridors Through Rehabilitation Of State’s Roads

The Nigerian Federal Government has initiated crucial road rehabilitation projects in Borno State, aiming to revitalize trade and foster post-insurgency recovery in the Northeast region. The flag-off ceremony for the Bama-Banki Road and Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala Road projects was conducted on Saturday, with the government highlighting their strategic importance as corridors for trade, agriculture, and security access. Vice-President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, stated that robust road infrastructure is indispensable for the region's pursuit of lasting peace and economic resurgence. He emphasized that these projects underscore the administration's dedication to restoring mobility, rebuilding economic confidence, and reconnecting communities that have endured years of insecurity and neglect. Shettima asserted that the rehabilitated corridors will enhance cross-border economic activities and broaden the reach of security agencies throughout the Northeast. He articulated that roads are the lifeblood of commerce, directly impacting farmers' ability to reach markets, traders' access to customers, children's access to schools, patients' access to healthcare, and security forces' response times to emergencies. The vice-president further noted that poor road networks impose significant costs on households and businesses, hindering commerce, increasing food prices, isolating communities, discouraging investment, and weakening local economies. In a region still grappling with the aftermath of insurgency, the vice-president stressed that road rehabilitation serves as both an economic and security intervention, as damaged routes impede civilian movement and limit security personnel's ability to patrol and respond effectively. He described the Bama-Banki corridor as having "special strategic weight" and the Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala road as integral to the vision of reconnecting Borno State. The projects will incorporate bridges, drainage, safety features, and other essential infrastructure, with the reinforced concrete pavement reflecting a commitment to durability and responsible use of public funds. Shettima also commended Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, for prioritizing infrastructure in the state's reconstruction efforts.

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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