Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, initiated the construction of a 113-kilometer Maiduguri Ring Road project on Monday, connecting the city’s east, west, and southern regions.
The endeavor is a cornerstone of Governor Zulum’s urban renewal initiative, aimed at alleviating city congestion, addressing housing shortages, fostering job creation, and bolstering economic development.
Governor Zulum outlined that the project would unfold in phases, with the initial phase spanning from Maiduguri-K16.5 Road to Maiduguri-Monguno Rd. via Maid-Gubio Rd., covering a distance of 16.5 kilometers.
He emphasized the pressing need to alleviate Maiduguri’s challenges, particularly with the influx of internally displaced persons straining existing resources, especially in terms of housing.
“We are undertaking deliberate measures to ease the strain on the city,” Governor Zulum remarked. “The Borno State Government has decided to commence with the first phase, encompassing 16.5 kilometers. God willing, we will not hesitate to expand this endeavor to cover the entire 113-kilometer ring road.”
Governor Zulum charged the Ministry of Works and Housing with ensuring that the project adheres to rigorous quality standards, capable of enduring for decades to come.
“I urge you to exercise utmost care and ensure that this road withstands the test of time. Cost should not be a hindrance, and there should be no compromise on quality. I envision this road remaining pristine for the next 30 years,” he asserted.
Engr. Mustapha Gubio, the Commissioner of Works and Housing, assured the governor of the project’s timely completion while strictly adhering to engineering specifications. Engr. Sadu Auno, the Executive Secretary of Borno State Road Maintenance Agency, provided insights into the road’s features, highlighting its dual carriageway design with a 7.3-meter width in alignment with federal standards.
Additionally, Engr. Adam Bababe, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), disclosed that over N1.6 billion in compensation was disbursed to 732 individuals affected by the project’s land acquisition. He also outlined plans for establishing residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and institutional zones along the ring road, spanning approximately 2,000 hectares.
