Shettima flags off construction of N47.2bn North East Development Commission’s head office, road projects

…As North East governors task Tinubu on completion of all projects in the zone

The Vice President Kashim Shettima has described to the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) as the critical engine driving the development of the region in the face of adversity.

Shettima stated this after performing the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the N26.8 billion headquarters of the NEDC.

He also launched of agricultural inputs and ground breaking of N20.4 billion second phase of 22.38-kilometer Jere bowl road aimed at reviving the agricultural sector of the area.

“The NEDC is a critical engine driving the development of the North-East. In the face of adversity, it has demonstrated resilience, vision, and an unyielding dedication to its mission.

“This laying of new infrastructure for its head office doesn’t only bring it closer to the people but invites them to be first-row stakeholders in the implementation of programmes aimed at economic revitalization,” he said.

Speaking at the distribution of Agricultural equipment at the NEDC permanent headquarters, Maiduguri, he said: “We are not gathered here today to merely witness the architectural ambition of an organisation that has become a conduit of hope for the North-East. Today is a demonstration of our promise, an assurance of our commitment, and a reminder of what this sub-region means to the nation. So, I am deeply honored to witness the making of a history of service that will outlive each of us.

“The North East Development Commission (NEDC) is a product of the people, and it shall serve the interests of the nation. Every organisation that aspires to influence the welfare and future of society must draw its core from the people it sets out to serve. It is this foundational principle that guides the North East Development Commission (NEDC),” he said.

Also speaking on behalf of the Northeast Governors, the Chairman, Northern Governors’ Forum, and the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya urged the Vice President and the NEDC to complete all ongoing projects by the Commission, as it has direct impact on the lives of the people of the region.

In his remarks, the Acting Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur commended the NEDC for its intervention in the state and the region at large. He assured continued partnership of the state government in addressing the humanitarian needs and post insurgency rebirth of the state.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director, NEDC, Mohammed Alkali said: “Section 9 (1) of the NEDC Act provides that ‘The Commission shall have its head office in Maiduguri, Borno State and shall establish an office in each Member State of the North-East Zone.’

“Therefore, the foundation-laying ceremony we are about to witness is in fulfilment of the law establishing the Commission. Also, regarding State Offices, we have already achieved over 90percent progress in the construction of such offices in most member states.

“The upcoming edifice is an iconic 8-floor structure with Basement and Mezzanine Floors. Apart from its adequate and conducive office spaces, the complex will have other state-of-the-art ancillary facilities such as an expansive Parking Space, Conference Rooms, Prayer Halls, Restaurants and Catering Facilities, Sick Bay, Gymnasium/Creche, Exhibition Halls and Humanitarian Centre, among others.

“The Commission is currently implementing the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP), a holistic roadmap consisting of 11 Pillars that cut across various sectors. The Pillars are fashioned to propel the socio-economic development and long-term prosperity in the North-East Region.

“It is gratifying to note that the ground-breaking ceremony for the first phase covering 22.5km was done by His Excellency, the Vice President in 2023 and is now over 95percent completed. This road network of 44.88Km passes through the famous rice producing communities of Galamari, Dusuman, Ngowom, Koshebe, Gongulong and Zabarmari.”

He further said that Khaddamari Road would improve free movement of people and goods, thereby stimulating economic activities through food production, processing agribusiness, as well as enhancing security in the area.

“Another milestone event is the official launch by His Excellency, the Vice President of the Commission’s Agricultural Interventions in the North-East Region towards boosting food production, processing and food security in general. The Commission has acquired and is set to distribute assorted and diverse units of agricultural machines, implements, inputs and other processing equipment to eligible farmers across all the 18 senatorial districts in the region,” the MD said.