…..Borno Governor Tasks New Agency Chief With Transforming Rural Road Infrastructure
By: ABC News Nigeria
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has appointed seasoned engineer and administrator, Engr. Ali Abubakar Baware, as the pioneer Director-General of the newly established Borno State Rural Access Road Authority (RARA).
The appointment marks a new phase in the state government’s efforts to strengthen rural road infrastructure, improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people, agricultural produce and essential goods across communities in Borno State.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya.
Engr. Baware, who until his appointment served as the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Housing, is expected to provide the leadership required to establish the operational structure of the new authority and drive its mandate across the state.
The Borno State Rural Access Road Authority, which became effective on July 14, 2026, was established to oversee the management, development, reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance of Class D roads throughout the state.
Its responsibilities also extend to supporting infrastructure, including bridges, drainage systems and other facilities necessary for the effective functioning and sustainability of rural road networks.
The creation of the authority is expected to provide an institutional framework for addressing the challenges associated with rural road infrastructure, particularly in communities where poor road conditions affect transportation, economic activities and access to essential services.
With rural roads serving as important links between farming communities, markets and urban centres, the authority is expected to play a significant role in improving transportation and supporting economic activities at the grassroots level.
Baware brings to the new assignment considerable professional and administrative experience, having served in various capacities within the state’s public service.
He is also affiliated with several recognised professional engineering organisations, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers.
His professional background and experience in public administration are expected to be brought to bear in coordinating the authority’s operations and ensuring that its responsibilities are effectively discharged.
Governor Zulum has congratulated Baware on his appointment and charged him to bring his wealth of experience, technical knowledge and administrative expertise to bear in making the new agency fully functional.
The governor also expects the pioneer Director-General to provide purposeful leadership towards achieving the objectives for which the authority was established.
Baware’s appointment is for an initial term of four years.
As the pioneer head of RARA, his immediate responsibility will include laying the administrative and operational foundations of the agency while coordinating the implementation of its statutory mandate.
The success of the authority will be closely linked to its ability to improve rural accessibility, sustain existing road infrastructure and support the development of communities across Borno State.
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