AHMED MARI, Mauduguri
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Regional Development, has sought for collaboration between the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) and the Northeast Governors Forum ( NGF) for the establishment of North East Airline, Rail Line linking the region to the Calabar Port, opening up trade corridors.
They are also looking to establish a North East Pharmaceutical Company to locally produce essential medicines and reduce dependency on imports, North East Power Generation and Distribution Company to ensure energy security, North East Integrated Feed Mill and Poultry Company to drive agro-industrial growth.
A North East Civil Engineering Company to create jobs and retain construction expertise within the region is also part of the plan.
The State Minister for Regional Development , Uba Maigari Ahmodu made the call yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state at the Government House, Maiduguri.
” The MRD will work in close collaboration with the North East Governors Forum on bold, forward-looking initiatives including the, establishment of a North East Regional Airline to connect the states and neighboring countries.
A North East Rail Line linking the region to the Calabar Port, opening up trade corridors, A North East Pharmaceutical Company to locally produce essential medicines and reduce dependency on imports.
Also, a North East Power Generation and Distribution Company to ensure energy security, A North East Integrated Feed Mill and Poultry Company to drive agro-industrial growth, and a North East Civil Engineering Company to create jobs and retain construction expertise within the region”, he added.
“:it is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today here in Maiduguri, the heart of resilience and rebirth in the North East, Let me begin by extending my deepest condolences to the government and people of Borno State over the recent loss of lives and displacement resulting from the tragic flooding incident due to the spill from the Alau Dam.
We stand in solidarity with you during this difficult time and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting relief and long-term resilience efforts.”
He said ” Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Ministry of Regional Development (MRD) was established by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to coordinate and drive inclusive development across the six geopolitical zones. ”
” As part of this renewed initiative, I have been tasked to directly supervise the operations of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), the North West Development Commission (NWDC), and the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).
The establishment of the NEDC was borne out of the need to rebuild and stabilize the region after years of insurgency and economic disruption. It reflects our shared vision for sustainable peace, development, and prosperity in the North East.”, he said.
The minister said ” today’s handing over of completed projects by the NEDC is a testament to that vision. It aligns with the broader North East Stabilization and Development Plan (NESDP) and the 25-year Borno State Development Master Plan, which provides a long-term framework for social, infrastructural, and economic transformation under the MRD’s coordination, we are prioritizing several critical sectors in our regional development strategy:
Education”
He said “”Brick to Bed” initiative to convert dilapidated schools to safe and conducive learning spaces
Academic Support and Skills Enhancement Programme (ASSEP) to build human capital and bridge educational gaps
Health. Construction of 50-bed Women & Children Hospitals in each senatorial district.
Acquisition of critical medical equipment, including MRI, CT scan, and intensive care units.
Agriculture :The Regional Development Food Availability, Affordability and Accessibility Project (RDF) to enhance food security and agro-economic empowerment.
Others include the infrastructure Construction and reconstruction of critical roads and bridges to enhance connectivity and mobility. ICT. Accelerated Digital Skills Acquisition Programme, and the development of ICT hubs and innovation centres across the region.
Transport Logistics.Introduction of e-mobility solutions, including e-vehicles, e-tricycles, and e-buses, Promotion of carbon credits and climate-smart transport systems to reduce our carbon footprint, Humanitarian Response. Regular provision of food and non-food items to displaced communities and support for reintegration and livelihood recovery.
Responding, the Borno State Governor , Prof Babagana Zulum called on the NEDC to prioritise embarking on tangible projects that can provide lasting benefits and boost infrastructural development across the six states in the northeast region.
Governor Zulum said security, dry Inland ports, African Intercontinental Free Trade Zone, independent electricity supply, and road networks are some of the key priorities for the Northeast.
, “I think the time has come for us to prioritise our projects. We have gone into more than 50% of the lifespan of the NEDC. I am not saying that NEDC will collapse. What I mean by lifespan is the funding window allocated to the commission according to the act that established it, “he said.
Zulum said “So, let’s come up with what we can do to get maximum benefit from establishing the commission.
Other commissions have come on board; we cannot afford to perform below them. This time around, we must have a yardstick. Otherwise, not only the minister, the chairman of the House committee, or the MD, but all of you are from the northeast; a time will come when we will call you out that there is nothing tangible to show within your tenure.”
He however, assured the minister and the NEDC management of the governors’ commitment within the Northeast to support the commission in achieving its mandate.
He also commended the North East Development Commission for supporting the state with humanitarian aid, school projects, and other programmes that positively affect the lives of the people of Borno.
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