By Joy Onu, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the rehabilitation of the Maiduguri–Monguno Road in Borno State, insisting that ongoing security and logistical challenges will not derail the strategic infrastructure project.
Officials of the Federal Ministry of Works gave the assurance during a nationwide media tour of projects in the North-East, where journalists were taken to the project site in Maiduguri to assess progress firsthand.
Speaking at the site, the Federal Controller of Works in Borno State, Engr. Salihu Adamu, acknowledged that insecurity along the corridor remains the most significant obstacle but stressed that work is progressing steadily. He explained that sporadic attacks along highways have forced contractors to adopt longer and safer routes to source construction materials, slowing delivery timelines but not halting execution.
The Maiduguri–Monguno Road (Section I), originally awarded in 2018 to QUMECS (Nigeria) Limited at a cost of ₦21.73 billion, spans 105.6 kilometres. Following a technical reassessment and scope review, the project was upgraded to a flexible pavement design with asphaltic concrete shoulders, pushing the revised contract sum to ₦28.37 billion to reflect current economic conditions and improved engineering standards.
According to the Ministry, Phase One of the project covers 30 kilometres, with notable progress already recorded. About 5.8 kilometres have reached binder course level, while stone base works have been completed on approximately eight kilometres. Clearing operations have extended beyond 15 kilometres, with shoulder construction ongoing in line with the Ministry’s new policy that replaces surface dressing with asphaltic concrete shoulders to enhance durability and structural protection.
Security constraints in Borno State have also affected material sourcing. With blasting of rocks prohibited in the state, base and sub-base laterite are being transported from Ngamdu near the Yobe State border, roughly 150 kilometres away, while stone materials are hauled from Shira town in Bauchi State, about 450 kilometres from the project site.
Project Manager for QUMECS, Engr. Bukar Kadai, said the company remains fully mobilised, with two teams currently handling shoulder construction and stone base works simultaneously. He added that asphalt laying would commence once bitumen delivery to the site is completed.
Professional bodies have also expressed confidence in the quality of work. Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Maiduguri Branch, Engr. Mohammed Shettima, described the rehabilitation as critical to easing transportation difficulties and improving road safety for residents and commuters.
In a related development, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council, Abdulkarim Haruna, inaugurated the completed limited rehabilitation of the Kaga–Gubio Road, Sections I and II, outside Benisheik town on behalf of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi. He described the road as a strategic asset for economic empowerment and social inclusion, noting its importance as a gateway to Maiduguri and neighbouring Yobe State.
Haruna also called on the media to sustain public awareness of ongoing infrastructure reforms and development initiatives under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Federal Controller of Works said the Kaga–Gubio Road intervention is part of broader emergency and special works aimed at preserving existing infrastructure, improving mobility, and supporting economic activity in security-challenged areas. He added that the road plays a key role in facilitating the movement of agricultural produce into Maiduguri and other parts of the North-East, reinforcing its importance to regional economic stability.
