May 18, (THEWILL) – The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has expressed concern over the neglect of the region in the allocation of Federal Government capital projects.
The forum also lamented over the blackout being experienced in the North-East, adding that the region was also not included in the National Infrastructure Plan for the transition from PMS to Compressed Gas.
This was contained in a communique Issued on Friday at the end of the 10th Meeting of the Forum held in Bauchi State, signed by its Chairman, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is also the Governor of Borno State.
According to the communique, the forum noted with dismay that “despite its cry for attention on the state of infrastructure in the region, which has been consistently echoed in all its communique over the years, especially the poor road and railway infrastructure along the economic corridors that link the Northeast sub-region to the rest of the country”, nothing significant has been done.
It noted that roads from Enugu to Maiduguri are in deplorable State and the railway from Enugu up to Maiduguri has been destroyed, emphasising that “this is a major route for regional trade and very important for integration, peace building and improving national unity”.
The Forum called on the Federal Government to look into the situation and consider the reconstruction of these basic infrastructures along the Enugu-Maiduguri economic corridor and the inclusion of the North East in all national development plans and initiatives.
It further noted with dismay, the blackout experienced by the region over the last one month and the nonchalant attitude exhibited by the TCN in addressing this issue of National importance for the security and development of the country.
The forum noted that it is keenly watching the commitment made by TCN to restore power to all the states of the region by May 27, 2024, urging the Federal Government to direct TCN to take immediate action while revealing that the forum has resolved, in the short term, to set up a solar power plant that can generate a minimum of 10 megawatts per state.
The communique also said that the forum noted with deep concern that the Northeast is the only region in Nigeria that has one transmission line supplying six states with a land mass of nearly 300Km square and a population of over 35 million.
It stated that this has made the region the most vulnerable and most disadvantaged for industrial development and economic growth with over 70% of its population below 35 years of age.
The forum, therefore, called on the Minister of Power and indeed the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, implement the extension of the 330KV transmission line from Makurdi-Gassol-Jalingo linking to Adamawa-Gombe-Bauchi and the extension of the 330KV line from Kano-Bauchi-Yobe, linking to Borno.
It also resolved to maximise the existing hydropower generated in the Kashimbila and Dadin Kowa dams, which the region has not been benefiting from because the Ministry of Power has failed to extend the 330KV line of the Makurdi-Gassol-Jalingo line. The Forum notes that climate change and environmental degradation remain a reality in the region.
The forum further called on the NEDC to work with the states in the region for Energy Development to unlock the energy potentials of the region and lessen the energy paucity burden of the people while noting that the world is passing through a horrific food security crisis, especially with the war in Ukraine, climate change and poor agricultural practice.
The NEGF, which comprises the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states, however, expressed its delight at the growing strength of the sub-regional cooperation.
It commended the Bauchi State Government for hosting the Northeast Trade Fair following the decision of the forum at its 8th meeting held in Maiduguri, pointing out that the Trade Fair was an important tool for promoting regional commerce, opening the region to investors and above all, a proof that decision, once agreed by the Forum, can be translated into action.
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via [email protected].
Very high and kind regards!
