Tinubu Using Strategic Road Projects to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria — Umahi

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is using major road construction and rehabilitation projects as part of a broader strategy to tackle insecurity and rebuild communities affected by insurgency.

Umahi reportedly made the remarks in Borno State during activities connected with the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala road corridors.

According to the minister, improved road infrastructure can strengthen security operations by making it easier for military personnel and other security agencies to move quickly across difficult areas and respond to threats.

The government’s argument is that poor or damaged roads can slow the movement of security personnel, emergency services and humanitarian assistance, particularly in communities recovering from years of insurgency.

Road Infrastructure and Security Operations

Umahi said the road projects form part of President Tinubu’s wider approach to addressing insecurity and supporting the recovery of affected communities.

Beyond their security role, the roads are expected to reconnect communities, improve the movement of people and goods and create better conditions for local businesses and cross-border trade.

The Bama–Banki route leads toward Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, while the Dikwa and Gamboru/Ngala corridor connects communities in eastern Borno and forms part of a significant regional transport route.

For communities that have suffered years of insurgency and economic disruption, restoring transport links could make it easier for farmers and traders to reach markets while improving access to essential services.

Shettima Links Poor Roads to Security Challenges

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who reportedly represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, also highlighted the relationship between infrastructure and security.

According to the account of the event, Shettima argued that poor road networks can make security challenges more difficult by slowing down military and emergency operations.

The administration's position is that rebuilding critical infrastructure in areas affected by insurgency is necessary not only for economic development but also for restoring normal life and improving the government's ability to respond to security threats.

Zulum Welcomes Road Projects

Babagana Zulum reportedly described the projects as an important step toward rebuilding Borno State and helping communities recover from the effects of insurgency.

Borno has been at the centre of Nigeria's long-running insurgency crisis, and many communities across the state have faced displacement, economic disruption and damage to infrastructure.

Restoring strategic roads could help reconnect isolated communities and support the movement of agricultural products and commercial goods.

However, while improved infrastructure can support faster security deployments and economic recovery, road construction alone is unlikely to resolve Nigeria’s security challenges. Its effectiveness will depend on how infrastructure improvements are combined with intelligence gathering, policing, military operations, border security and economic opportunities for affected communities.

The road projects therefore represent one part of a much broader challenge facing the Nigerian government as it attempts to improve security while rebuilding communities affected by years of violence.