By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum as one of the best-performing governors in Nigeria as he officially flagged off the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road.
The President, represented on Saturday by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the strategic highway projects underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, economic recovery and improved security across the North-East.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, Shettima said the projects would strengthen regional integration, facilitate cross-border trade, improve the transportation of agricultural produce and enhance security operations in communities recovering from years of insurgency.
He noted that infrastructure remains a central pillar of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made infrastructure a central priority. This is what Mr. President promised Nigerians, and I am here today to reaffirm our commitment to delivering on that promise and to convey his appreciation for the support Nigerians have continued to give this administration,” the Vice President said.
According to him, the Bama–Banki Corridor is of immense strategic importance because of its role in agriculture, commerce and national security, while the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road will reconnect communities and restore economic confidence in Borno State.
Shettima also applauded Governor Zulum for his developmental strides and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government.
“The partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State demonstrates what can be achieved when governments work together in the interest of the people. Certainly, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” he declared.
Responding, Governor Zulum thanked President Tinubu for approving the road projects, describing them as critical investments that would accelerate economic development and improve security in the state.
He said the commencement of the projects reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government.
“We remain deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the development, peace and security of Borno State, the North-East and Nigeria as a whole,” the governor said.
Zulum reiterated that infrastructure development remains a major priority of his administration, citing ongoing investments in roads, schools, hospitals, water supply and other public facilities aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
The governor also pledged the state’s political support for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence that the President would secure overwhelming votes from Borno State.
He further commended Vice President Shettima for his continued support for the reconstruction and development of the state.
Governor Zulum equally acknowledged the humanitarian interventions of Aliko Dangote, particularly through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, noting its contributions to supporting internally displaced persons and victims of the 2024 flood disaster in Borno State.
He assured residents that the road projects would be closely monitored to ensure strict adherence to quality standards and value for public funds, while urging the Minister of Works to grant the state government a waiver to regulate the activities of heavy-duty trucks using the highways.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that the projects would be executed in two phases and expressed confidence that both roads would be completed within six months.
The flag-off ceremony attracted top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, APC leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.
