Zulum Targets Self-Reliance In Road Construction With Quarry Plant, 70 New Trucks
By Bukar BOLORI
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has taken a bold step toward fast-tracking infrastructure development with the establishment of a high-capacity quarry centre and the procurement of 70 new trucks to strengthen road construction across the state.
The governor announced the initiative on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of 70 brand-new Howo pickup trucks to the Ministry of Works and the Borno State Road Maintenance Agency at the Government House.
Zulum said the newly established quarry plant, located in Pulka, will serve as a strategic hub for sourcing critical construction materials such as granite, gravel, and sharp sand.
The facility, with a processing capacity of 120 tons per hour, is expected to significantly reduce reliance on external suppliers while lowering project costs.
According to him, the state government invested no less than ₦3 billion in the quarry project, underscoring its commitment to building durable infrastructure despite prevailing challenges.
“We have recorded progress in key sectors including health, education, agriculture, security, and road construction. However, road development, particularly in rural areas, remains a major challenge,” Zulum stated.
He attributed part of the difficulty to insecurity, which he said has discouraged contractors from taking on projects in many parts of the state.
“No serious 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 gap, the governor emphasized the need to strengthen 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 faster delivery of construction materials, and enable timely intervention on damaged roads.
The event was attended by top 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.
The combined investment in heavy-duty equipment and local material production signals a strategic shift by the Borno State Government toward self-reliance in infrastructure delivery, particularly in hard-to-reach and security-challenged communities.
