Serious questions are being raised over alleged disbursements of more than ₦4 billion for the Gamboru-Ngala road axis in Borno State, amid complaints that large portions of the critical corridor remain in deplorable condition.
According to concerns raised over the project, more than ₦4 billion was allegedly disbursed between September 2024 and December 2025, yet motorists and other road users say there has been little visible improvement on the route.
The situation has triggered demands for the Federal Ministry of Works and the Borno State Government to provide a detailed account of funds released for the road and explain the extent to which the project has progressed.
The only intervention reportedly visible on some sections has been the dumping of red sand, an approach road users claim has done little to solve the problem and may have further worsened driving conditions.
During the rainy season, the situation reportedly becomes even more difficult. Vehicle breakdowns on bad sections of the road can trigger prolonged gridlocks, leaving travellers stranded for days and, in some reported cases, considerably longer.
For a corridor linking communities and serving important commercial and security interests in the North-East, the continued deterioration of the road has raised concerns about public safety, movement of goods and the welfare of travellers.
The Federal Government itself has described the Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala corridor as a strategic road for trade, agriculture, security access and regional integration. In July 2026, President Bola Tinubu’s administration officially flagged off the rehabilitation of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala Road.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said at the flag-off that the road contract had been reviewed to ₦67 billion, while the project is being executed under the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Dangote Industries Nigeria Limited was identified as the contractor, with Dantata & Sawoe Nigeria Limited as subcontractor.
Against this backdrop, questions over earlier alleged disbursements require clear answers from the relevant authorities.
The Federal Ministry of Works and the Borno State Government should publish details of funds released, contractors engaged, payment schedules, certificates of work completed and the current financial status of the project.
More importantly, motorists and communities along the corridor want to see equipment and construction activity on the ground, not merely financial figures on paper.
The Gamboru-Ngala route is too important to remain trapped in a cycle of funding announcements, delays and worsening road conditions.
Until the authorities provide a transparent account of the alleged ₦4 billion disbursement and demonstrate tangible progress, the questions surrounding the project will continue to demand answers.
