The North East Governors' Forum (NEGF) has expressed deep concern about the federal government's apparent neglect of the region in terms of infrastructure development.
This was contained in a communique issued by the NEGF that comprised the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe. The communique was signed by the Chairman of the NEGF Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum (Governor Borno State) and read by the forum's Vice Chairman Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Governor Adamawa State).
While commending Bauchi State for holding the 15th North East Trade which was the decision taken by the forum at its 8th meeting, the forum's communique, issued after their 10th meeting in Bauchi, criticised the lack of serious action on their previous calls for improved infrastructure, particularly the poor state of roads and railways connecting the Northeast to the rest of the country.
They highlighted the deplorable condition of the Enugu-Maiduguri road and railway, crucial for regional trade and national integration. Additionally, the region's exclusion from the National Infrastructure Plan for transitioning to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) was raised.
The forum also condemned the recent month-long power blackout in the region caused by vandalism of transmission lines. While acknowledging the Transmission Company of Nigeria's (TCN) commitment to restore power by 27th May 2024, they urged the federal government to pressure TCN for immediate action. As a short-term solution, the forum resolved to establish solar power plants generating at least 10 Megawatts per state.
The NEGF emphasised the critical need for improved power supply. They pointed out that the Northeast is the only region in Nigeria relying on a single 330KV transmission line to serve six states with a vast landmass and a large population. This, they argued, hinders industrial development and economic growth, especially considering the young demographics of the region.
The forum called for the urgent implementation of two key projects:
Extension of the 330KV transmission line from Makurdi – Gassol – Jalingo linking to Adamawa – Gombe - Bauchi.
Extension of the 330KV line from Kano- Bauchi- Yobe, linking to Borno.
The communique addressed other pressing matters:
Combating Desertification: The forum acknowledged the threat of climate change and environmental degradation and called for a coordinated regional effort to combat desertification.
Northeast Development Commission (NEDC): The forum urged the NEDC to consult more closely with states in the region regarding project prioritisation, particularly focusing on unlocking the Northeast's energy potential.
Food Security: The forum highlighted the global food security crisis and pledged continued investment in the region's agricultural value chain, encouraging the transformation of subsistence farming into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the Bauchi State government's hospitality and a commitment to hold the 11th NEGF meeting in Damaturu, Yobe State, between 30th-31st August 2024.
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