Despite Insecurity, FG Advances ₦28.37bn Road Rehabilitation In Borno
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing key road infrastructure projects in Borno State, despite persistent security and logistical challenges affecting construction activities in the region.
Speaking during the ongoing nationwide media tour of the North East Zone, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) in Borno State, Engr. Salihu Adamu, assured Nigerians that the rehabilitation of the Maiduguri–Monguno Road (Section I) remains on course.
He identified insecurity along the corridor as the major challenge confronting the contractor, noting that sporadic attacks on highways have compelled the company to adopt longer and safer routes to transport construction materials to site.
The 105.6-kilometre project was initially awarded in 2018 to QUMECS (Nigeria) Limited at a contract sum of ₦21.73 billion. However, following a technical review and adjustment in scope, the project was redesigned to incorporate a flexible pavement structure with asphaltic concrete shoulders. This revision increased the contract sum to ₦28.37 billion, reflecting updated engineering standards and prevailing economic realities.
Phase I of the rehabilitation covers 30 kilometres. According to the FCW, measurable progress has been recorded, with approximately 5.8 kilometres completed up to binder course level and about 8 kilometres of stone base laid. Clearance operations have extended beyond 15 kilometres, while shoulder construction is ongoing in line with the Ministry’s revised policy of replacing surface dressing with asphaltic concrete shoulders to enhance pavement durability and structural strength.
Security restrictions have significantly affected sourcing of materials. Base and sub-base laterite are being transported from Ngamdu near the Yobe State border, roughly 150 kilometres away, while stone aggregates are hauled from Shira town in Bauchi State, approximately 450 kilometres from the project site. The situation is further compounded by a ban on rock blasting within Borno State.
Project Manager for QUMECS, Engr. Bukar Kadai, confirmed that the contractor remains fully mobilised, with two teams currently handling shoulder construction and stone base works simultaneously. Asphalt laying, he said, will commence once bitumen delivery is completed.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Maiduguri Branch, Engr. Mohammed Shettima, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, stating that the completed road will significantly ease transportation challenges for residents and road users in the region.
In a related development, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council, Abdulkarim Haruna, inaugurated the completed Limited Rehabilitation of Kaga–Gubio Road, Sections I and II, outside Benisheik Town on behalf of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.
Haruna described the road as strategic for economic empowerment and social inclusion, noting that it serves as a vital gateway linking Maiduguri and Yobe State. He called on the media to continue raising public awareness about ongoing infrastructure reforms and development initiatives under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Federal Controller of Works described the Kaga–Gubio Road project as a critical intervention aimed at facilitating the movement of agricultural produce into Maiduguri and surrounding areas, strengthening commercial activities along the corridor.
He added that the project forms part of broader emergency and special works initiatives designed to protect existing infrastructure, enhance mobility, and promote economic stability in regions facing security challenges.
