President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding private sector investment in Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, disclosing that the conglomerate is currently executing 12 road projects valued at about N3 trillion under the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.
Dangote made the disclosure during the flag-off of the rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala roads in Borno State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The road projects are considered critical to improving security, reviving economic activities and reconnecting communities affected by years of insurgency in the North-East.
The two projects were awarded to Dangote Industries Nigeria Limited under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, with Dantata & Sawoe Nigeria Limited serving as the subcontractor. The Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, introduced by the Federal Government, allows private sector companies to finance and execute major infrastructure projects in exchange for tax credits, with the objective of accelerating infrastructure development across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, Dangote described the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme as a transformative model for financing critical infrastructure, noting that it has enabled the private sector to make significant contributions to national development.
He said quality roads and bridges stimulate economic activities, attract investment and promote national prosperity, adding that the Dangote Group remains ready to undertake additional infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
Dangote also commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, describing him as “a conqueror” for his commitment to delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala roads had become imperative because they are located within strategic corridors essential for restoring critical infrastructure, improving security and unlocking economic opportunities in the North-East.
He said the projects fulfil his administration’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure that will improve connectivity, strengthen regional integration and promote sustainable development.
The President noted that the rehabilitated roads would also improve access to neighbouring Cameroon and the Republic of Chad, creating new opportunities for trans-Saharan trade and expanding cross-border commerce.
According to him, the projects will facilitate the movement of people, goods and services, enhance security and support the socio-economic recovery of communities affected by insurgency.
Tinubu urged all stakeholders to work closely with host communities to ensure the successful execution of the projects and assured Nigerians that his administration would continue investing in infrastructure capable of driving economic growth and national development.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the commencement of the projects as another milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme.
He explained that the roads form part of the administration’s four legacy infrastructure projects spread across the six geopolitical zones, designed to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate trade and strengthen economic integration with neighbouring countries.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, said the projects would deliver significant economic, security, healthcare and tourism benefits, describing them as strategic investments that would improve livelihoods and deepen regional integration.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended the collaboration between the National Assembly and the Ministry of Works, describing the projects as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure development.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, said the rehabilitation of the roads would accelerate the economic recovery of the North-East by strengthening commercial links with Cameroon and Chad while improving peace, security and economic activities across the region.
