Daily Hope24 News Desk
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has begun major repairs on the Maiduguri–Dikwa highway, a strategic corridor linking Nigeria to border communities in Chad and Cameroon.
The initiative aims to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and ensure smoother traffic flow, particularly during periods of heavy travel in the North-East.
Speaking during an inspection at Gwom, Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, Engr. Tope Babatunde, FERMA Maintenance Engineer, said the operation, tagged “Operation Connect Destination,” involves patching potholes, clearing roadside vegetation, and desilting blocked drains.
“This road is vital for both local and cross-border traffic. By maintaining it, we ensure trucks, delivery vehicles, and traders can move safely and efficiently,” Babatunde told Daily hop24 News.
He explained that FERMA follows a structured maintenance procedure, which includes inspection, assessment of road conditions, and deployment of professional equipment for repairs.
“Potholes are a leading cause of vehicle damage and accidents. Timely repairs prevent further deterioration and improve driving conditions for all road users,” he added.
The Maiduguri–Dikwa highway serves as a gateway to Chad and Cameroon and supports heavy commercial and passenger traffic. Babatunde noted that the repairs are particularly important from November to February peak travel period, when traffic rises due to seasonal business and holiday movements.
He also emphasised that the initiative aligns with the directives of FERMA Managing Director, Engr. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Agbasi, and supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure upkeep and road safety.
“Regular patching, clearing drainage, and vegetation control are essential to reduce accidents and keep this highway accessible to all users,” Babatunde said.
The repairs are expected to ease traffic along the Maiduguri–Dikwa corridor, enhance safety for motorists, and improve access to border communities in the Lake Chad region, supporting trade and regional connectivity.
Drivers who drive around the corridor of Maiduguri – Ngamboru Ngala road, BaMai Modu and Musa Isa described the intervention as timely, saying the repairs are expected to ease traffic along the Maiduguri–Dikwa corridor and improve access to border communities in the Lake Chad region, supporting both local commerce and cross-border trade.
