The North-East Governors Forum (NEGF) has berated the federal government, alleging seeming neglect of the region in the allocation of federal capital projects.
The Forum noted that nothing serious is happening despite seeking attention on the state of infrastructure in the subregion which has been consistently echoed in all its communiques over the years, especially the poor road and railway infrastructure along the economic corridors that links the North-East subregion to the rest of the country.
This was contained in a communique issued Saturday at the end of the 10th regular meeting of the Forum held at the Bauchi Government House, Bauchi signed by its Chairman, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State.
The Forum particularly noted that roads from Enugu to Maiduguri are in deplorable state and the railway from Enugu up to Maiduguri has been completely destroyed.
It added that, “This is a major route for regional trade and very important for integration, peace building and improving national unity. The region is also not included in the National Infrastructure Plan for the transition from PMS to Compressed Gas.”
ALSO READ: N20trn pension fund: FG’s move will wreck pensioners — NUP spokespersons
The Forum, therefore, called on the Federal Government to look into the situation and consider the reconstruction of these basic infrastructure along Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor and inclusion of North-East in all National Development Plans and initiatives.
Forum further noted with dismay, the blackout experienced by the subregion over the last one month and the attitude of the TCN in addressing this issue of national importance for the security and development of the country.
The Forum stated that it is keenly watching the commitment made by the TCN to restore power to all the states of the region by the 27th May, 2024, urging the federal government to direct TCN to take immediate action.
According to the statement, the Forum has resolved in the short term, to set up a solar power plant that can generate a minimum 10 Megawatts per state.
The Forum also expressed concern over one transmission line supplying six Northeastern states with a landmass of nearly 300,000 square kilometers and a population of over 35 million.
They added that the situation has made the subregion most vulnerable and disadvantaged for industrial development and economic growth with over 70% of its population below 35 years of age.
Forum therefore called on the Minister of Power 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.
The statement noted their resolve to maximise the existing hydropower generated in Kashimbilla and Dadin Kowa dam which the region has not been benefiting from due to the Ministry of Power’s failure to extend the 330KV line of Makurdi – Gassol- Jalingo line.