NEDC operating smoothly, no funding hitch — Minister

The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, has affirmed that the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) is operating efficiently and is not facing any funding challenges in its mission to develop the six states in the region.

Maigari made this statement during a three-day inspection tour of NEDC projects in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which concluded on Wednesday.

He commended the progress of the commission’s projects across the state, including the Ngowom-Koshebe and Ngowom-Dusman roads, which connect to Zabarmari, Gongulong, and Khaddamari. These roads were prioritized due to the area’s significant contribution to rice production in Jere and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The new infrastructure is expected to boost the local economy, enhance security, and improve the movement of people and goods, particularly within the “Jere-Bowl” area.

ALSO READ:Pa Adebanjo made kidnappings in Yorubaland impossible — Agbekoya

The project is being executed in phases, with the first phase already completed. The second phase, currently underway, involves constructing three segments: a 10.5-kilometre stretch from Galameri to Ngowom-Koshebe, a 3.5-kilometre stretch from Ngowom to Dusman, and an 8.5-kilometre stretch from Gongulong to Zabarmari-Khaddamari.

Maigari acknowledged that the NEDC has significantly improved the livelihoods of people in the North-East region.

He attributed the commission’s success to its transparent funding sources and consistent support from the Federal Government.

“The NEDC does not have any funding issues and is not anticipating any financial problems,” he said.

Maigari expressed gratitude for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in funding the projects, which has contributed to the revival of the North-East region.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in the North-East states through the NEDC.