Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has taken a significant step towards accelerating infrastructure development by establishing a high-capacity quarry and procuring 70 new trucks to bolster road construction across the state.
The Governor announced the initiative on Monday at a ceremony to hand over 70 brand-new Howo trucks to the Ministry of Works and the Borno State Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA) at Government House.
Zulum explained that the newly established quarry plant, located in Pulka, will be a key source of essential construction materials like granite, gravel, and sharp sand. With a processing capacity of 120 tonnes per hour, the facility is expected to substantially reduce reliance on external suppliers and lower project costs.
He confirmed that the state government had invested over ₦3 billion in the quarry project, demonstrating its commitment to building robust infrastructure despite ongoing challenges.
“We have made progress in key sectors including health, education, agriculture, security, and road construction. However, road development, particularly in rural areas, remains a significant challenge,” Zulum stated.
He attributed some of this difficulty to insecurity, which he said deters contractors from undertaking projects in many parts of the state.
“No reputable contractor is willing to risk deploying equipment to some of the affected areas. That is why we must build the capacity of our own institutions,” he added.
To address this, the Governor stressed the importance of strengthening the operational capabilities of the Ministry of Works, BORMA, and other relevant agencies.
The deployment of the 70 trucks is expected to improve logistics, ensure quicker delivery of construction materials, and facilitate prompt repairs to damaged roads.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr Baware; BORMA Chairman, Engr Sadu Auno; and Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr Bukar Gujbawu.
This combined investment in heavy-duty equipment and local material production represents a strategic move by the Borno State Government towards self-sufficiency in infrastructure delivery, particularly in remote and security-sensitive communities.
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