The North-East Governors’ Forum on Saturday frowned at neglect of the region, adding that the absence of Federal Government presence is overwhelming.
Our correspondent reports that the 10th NEGF meeting which was held in Bauchi had in attendance Governors of Gombe; Muhammadu Yahaya, Yobe; Mai Buni, Borno; Professor Babagana Zulum, Adamawa; Ahmadu Fintiri, Taraba; Dr Agbu Kefas and Bauchi; Bala Mohammed.
According to a communique signed by the NEGF Chairman, Professor Babagana Zulum, which was obtained by our correspondent, the Forum urged the Federal Government to prioritise the region to enhance its development.
The communique partly read, “Forum reiterates its concern over the seeming neglect of the North-East in the allocation of Federal Government Capital Projects.
“It 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 links the North-East sub-region to the rest of the country, nothing serious seems to be happening.”
Lamenting the poor transportation networks, the Forum said, “The roads from Enugu to Maiduguri are in a deplorable state and the railway from Enugu up to Maiduguri has been destroyed. This is a major route for regional trade and very important for integration, peacebuilding, and improving national unity.”
“The region is also not included in the National Infrastructure Plan for the transition from PMS to Compressed Gas. The Forum is calling on the Federal Government to look into the situation and consider the reconstruction of these basic infrastructures along the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor and inclusion of NE in all National Development Plans and initiatives,” the Forum added.
While decrying the blackout across the region the NEGF lambasted the Transmission Company of Nigeria on its poor handling of repairs, adding that it would wait till the agreed May 27 to see full restoration of power.
“Forum notes with dismay, the blackout experienced by the region over the last 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 is keenly watching the commitment made by TCN to restore power to all the states of the region by the 27th of May, 2024; accordingly, the Forum urged the Federal Government to direct TCN to take immediate action. 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 NEGF added.
