National News
NEDC’s Transformative Impact in North East: Over 700 Projects Revitalizing the North East Region
NEDC’s Transformative Impact in North East: Over 700 Projects Revitalizing the North East Region
By: Zagazola Makama
Halima Bukar is a 12-year old pupil of the Government Day Junior Secondary School, Yusufari in Yobe. She is happy for having the opportunity to be attending classes alongside her peers.
Halima’s success is a testament to the conducive learning environment created through the interventions of government agencies and donors. These efforts aim to address the devastating impact of the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East region of Nigeria.
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has been at the forefront of these initiatives, working to rebuild and restore the region’s educational infrastructure, healthcare systems, and economic opportunities. Halima’s story is a beacon of hope for a brighter future in Yobe, thanks to the collective efforts of the government, donors, and the NEDC.”
“Born during the height of the insurgency, Halima’s early life was marked by displacement and uncertainty. However, her journey took a positive turn when she began her education at a makeshift learning space set up by humanitarian actors in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp. This intervention proved pivotal, as it prepared her to successfully complete her primary education and transition to post-basic education.
Halima’s story is a testament to the impact of the North East Development Commission’s (NEDC) infrastructure development projects, led by Dr. Mohammed Alkali. The commission’s efforts have enabled thousands of children and adolescents in the region to return to school, access quality education, and regain their footing.
Halima, a direct beneficiary of these interventions, expressed her gratitude, saying, “The NEDC’s gesture has empowered women and girls like me to access quality education, paving the way for a brighter future.” Her story serves as a beacon of hope for a region rebuilding and recovering from the devastating effects of insurgency.“
“The NEDC reconstructed schools destroyed by Boko Haram terrorists. It gives us an opportunity to go to school and get educated. It defeated the insurgents who attacked and prevented us from going to school,” Halima said.
Paradoxically; Alkali steers the commission with passion and great zeal to marshal recovery and stability of the war-torn region, provide livelihood support and build resilience, to stimulate peace, social and economic development processes of the affected population.
Nigeria was enmeshed by the Boko Haram insurgency in July 2009, when the militant group started an armed rebellion against the government of the state. The insurgents are opposed to western education and their ultimate aim is to establish an Islamic state in the region.
From 2013 to 2014, at the peak of the insurgency, the terrorists took control of large areas of the North-east region and extended their attacks to border communities in Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republics, causing large scale displacement and destruction of public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, markets, businesses, religious places of worship, financial and government establishments.
The terrorising effect of the activities of Boko Haram on the social and economic life of the people in Yobe was so devastating that schools, hospitals, businesses, government and financial institutions closed down in many areas of the state.
According to official statistics, the damage caused by the insurgency is over $6 billion dollars as at 2015.
To fast track recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-tone region, the Federal Government of Nigeria established the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) in 2017.
NEDC is the focal organisation charged with the responsibility to assess, coordinate, harmonise and report on all intervention programmes, and initiatives by the federal government or any of its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), states; and other development partners, and for the implementation of all programmes and initiatives for the North-east states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, respectively.
Importantly, understanding the nexus between poverty and insecurity, Alkali as the helmsman of the commission initiated and executed viable social and economic development programmes in the six states of the region.
Over 700 Projects Revitalizing the North East Region
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has emerged as a shining example of effective regional development, thanks to the visionary leadership of its Managing Director/CEO, Alh Mohammed Goni Alkali. Under his guidance, the commission has successfully executed over 700 critical projects, addressing the region’s infrastructure and socio-economic needs.
Beyond physical infrastructure, NEDC has also prioritized “stomach infrastructure,” ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community are not overlooked. This balanced approach has made a tangible impact on the lives of millions in the region.
A closer look at the commission’s achievements reveals a strategic focus on critical sectors, including roads, bridges, agriculture, and ecology.
Roads and Bridges: Connecting the Region
NEDC has constructed and rehabilitated numerous roads and bridges, enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic exchange across the region. Notable projects include:
Mutai-Ngalda Road (54km) in Yobe State, Alkaleri-Futuk Road, Gombe Abba-Kirfi Road (53km) in Bauchi and Gombe, Zabarmari-Ngowom Road (22.5km) in Borno State, Dabna-Garkida Road (32km) in Adamawa State, Adamawa State, College of Education Road (2.5km), Jabbi Lamba-Belel Transborder Road in Adamawa State, Mafa-Jere Road (22.5 km)
Other projects included the construction of Bridges at Kudzum, Dilechim, Wuro-Ngayandi in Adamawa State, and Mayo Ndaga Bridge in Taraba State have also been constructed, ensuring safe and efficient transportation.
In reclaiming the region’s pride, NEDC’s interventions in agriculture aim to restore the region’s leadership in this sector. Strategic projects have been implemented to enhance productivity and connectivity, fostering economic growth, while in the area of empowering Youths and Women, the commission has engaged and sensitized 300 youths and women in waste recycling, efficient stove productipon, and use, promoting self-reliance and environmental sustainability.
In its housing and education revolution aimed at transforming lives in the North East Region, NEDC has made significant strides leaving a lasting impact on the lives of millions, with the construction of over 3,000 homes for low-income earners across the region, with projects spanning Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba states. This unprecedented effort has provided safe and secure housing for thousands of families, restoring dignity and hope.
Education: A Key Driver of Recovery
NEDC has invested heavily in education, recognizing its transformative power. The commission has constructed numerous technical and vocational training schools and centers, equipping youths with valuable skills.
A Game-Changer was the construction of Mega Basic Schools in Eight strategically located each featuring 16 classrooms, six laboratories, and 480-capacity hostels. This initiative has revolutionize basic education, providing a solid foundation for future generations.
In Yobe stats, the NEDC projects include the construction of more than 200 classroom blocks in 20 basic and post basic schools across the state, and construction of a 250-capacity auditorium at the Yobe State University, Damaturu.
NECD embarked on rural water supply programme to enhance access to clean water in the communities, it had procured and installed solar motorised boreholes at Federal College of Education (FCE), Damaturu; NYSC camp Fika, Gasma, Dogana, Jawa, Gashuwa-Sabongari, Garin Maizago, Military camp Baderi, Layo amongst other communities, while upgrading the Buni mini water scheme.It constructed several units of four-bedroom houses in Damaturu, Buni and other communities, and set up forestry nurseries at Dapchi, Yunusari and Karasu, to encourage afforestation, control desert encroachment and protect the environment.
The commission also constructed input stores, toilets, and security posts at Dapchi, Yunusari and Karasu as well as installation of solar street lights in 15 communities across the state; most of these projects are either completed or at various stages of completion.
The education intervention included the rehabilitation and construction of classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, stores and perimeter fences at various colleges and higher institutions of learning. These include Federal Government College, Buni Yadi; College of Administration Potiskum, Federal College of Education (Tech), Potiskum, and School of Midwifery.
Others are Government Girls Secondary School Damaturu; Masaba Bolo, Tarwu, Moimama, Model, Mega, Bora Central Primary Schools amongst others.
The NEDC’s housing, healthcare and education revolution is a testament to its commitment to rebuilding and restoring the North East region. These projects have not only improved lives but have also instilled hope and a sense of renewal, paving the way for a brighter future.
The NEDC’s comprehensive approach has transformed the North East region, demonstrating the impact of targeted interventions. As the region continues to grow and develop, the commission’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.
The success of NEDC has sparked a nationwide call for similar interventionist commissions in other regions. If the NEDC model becomes the standard for regional development, it will be a testament to the power of effective leadership and targeted interventions. Other regions would do well to emulate the NEDC’s approach, driving growth, stability, and prosperity across Nigeria.
As NEDC advocates for increased funding, it is reassuring to know that the allocated resources will be utilized judiciously, building on the commission’s track record of transparency and accountability under Alh Goni Alkali’s leadership.
Pundits believed that Alkali-led NEDC had touched the lives of the people affected by the insurgency since inception.
Mr Ahmed Kime, a civil society activist, said the interventions by the commission impacted positively towards empowering the people and building their hope to resume normal life.
He, however, urged the commission to adopt proactive monitoring and surveillance mechanisms to ensure delivery of quality work and enhance its operations.
In a remark during the investiture of the reconstituted NEDC board, its Chairman, retired Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa, assured that they will among other things, focus on implementing human capital development projects in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region
NEDC’s Transformative Impact in North East: Over 700 Projects Revitalizing the North East Region
National News
Ogidigben $20 billion Gas Project: Nigeria Receives Investment Commitment from Chinese Firm
Ogidigben $20 billion Gas Project: Nigeria Receives Investment Commitment from Chinese Firm
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has received a commitment from a Chinese firm, China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd (CNCEC), to support the development of the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Project in partnership with Nigerian stakeholders in a restructured funding partnership.
The commitment was given to the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) Joseph Tegbe who is presently leading a team to China to market Nigeria and its opportunities for investment.
A press statement on Monday read that Tegbe held strategic sessions with renowned Economist and former World Bank Director Prof Justin Lin Yifu, who pledged support for the NCSP office in areas of policy implementation, reforms, and attraction of Chinese investments.
The Director General delegation was also hosted by China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd (CNCEC), whose President Li Zhenyi, expressed his company’s commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth through construction and industrialization specifically their strong desire to support the development of the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Project in partnership with other Nigerian stakeholders in a restructured funding partnership.
The Director-General acknowledged CNCEC’s technical capabilities and their previous accomplishments; and also reiterated the bold and audacious support of President Bola Tinubu on the major developmental projects across Nigeria as national priority to fast track the nation’s industrialization.
Tegbe’s visit to China was as part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) projects coordination, and investment drive, and he has continued to have strategic engagement with key Chinese stakeholders to deepen the bilateral cooperation. The visit aimed to review priority FOCAC projects, explore innovative funding options, and attract major Chinese investments into Nigeria.
In Beijing, the Director-General met with representatives from China EXIM Bank and China Development Bank to discuss accelerated delivery of priority projects. The delegation also visited the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Headquarters, where they toured a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm, a visit to the firm aimed at assessing the feasibility of replicating similar projects in Nigeria using innovative funding models, such as the part contractor-financed, BOT, among others as recently adopted in other China financed projects.
During the visit, the delegation moved to Xinjiang where they visited TBEA, the number 1 electricity corporation in China and leading power transmission enterprise. They discussed status of their project and explored investment options and opportunities in mini and microgrid solutions to enhance Nigeria’s power sector.
The delegation’s next stop was at Shanghai where they made a courtesy call to the Nigeria Consulate in Shanghai, engaging in productive discussions about trade and investment opportunities in the region. These conversations focused on facilitating growth in key areas and exploring ways to enhance cooperation between the Consulate’s trade mission and the Director-General’s office.
The delegation thereafter visited the impressive Yangshan Deep-Water Port, also known as Shanghai Port. This massive port is currently the largest in the world, was constructed by China Harbor Engineering company, who also constructed the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria. The port
boasts an incredible capacity of 51 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). During their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to cross the remarkable 35-kilometre bridge, specifically designed for the evacuation of men and materials from the port. This bridge is a testament to China’s impressive engineering capabilities.
According to the statement, before leaving China, the delegation is expected to engage key players in Chinese economy in Shenzhen, and Guangzhou to facilitate and fast-track FOCAC project implementation through familiarization and feedback sessions with the relevant participating companies.
The statement added that “the ongoing visit is part of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation between the two nations, an initiative that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, particularly in areas such as infrastructurb development, technology transfer, and job creation.
Ogidigben $20 billion Gas Project: Nigeria Receives Investment Commitment from Chinese Firm
AT 2025 WEF, VP Shettima Markets Nigeria, Africa As Investment Destination
** Says Africa Has Indeed Woken Up
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said serious investors can now take unfettered advantage of Nigeria’s growing investment climate to tap from the limitless opportunities in the country and the African continent.
VP Shettima spoke on Tuesday during a forum titled, “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” at the ongoing annual meeting of the 2025 World Economic Forum ( WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
At the session which was co-chaired by Mirek Dusek, Managing Director of World Economic Forum, and chaired by Marie-Laure Akin Olugbade, Senior Vice President, African Development Bank (AFDB) group, discussions focused on the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing Roadmap for Africa.
He told the forum that the tales they hear about the country and the African continent as a whole are really not that of doom and gloom as being painted by doomsday proponents.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria is poised to invade the global business platform with modernisation and robust investments, assuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a seasoned chartered accountant, is working to make the nation an investment destination in Africa.
“For 20 years, I have been in the Nigerian banking industry. I was a general manager in Nigeria’s largest bank, Zenith Bank. I grew up in that ecosystem. The President himself is a seasoned chartered accountant. So, I believe that Nigeria is ready for business, Nigeria is ready to embrace the path of modernization with very robust investment,” he declared.
Acknowledging however that the nation may still have certain deficits, VP Shettima pointed out that Nigeria is looking up to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to address the challenges.
He stated: “We are having a huge deficit but we are looking forward to the AfCFTA and that involves investing in infrastructure for instance the coastal highway from Calabar to Lagos is the largest single investment in Africa. We are building corridors to the North.
“We have the West African gas pipeline. We are thinking ahead of time akin to the Belt and Road Initiative. We are partnering with 14 African countries to invest in gas infrastructure down to Morocco.”
Senator Shettima insisted that Africa is not all about tales of doom and gloom, maintaining that the continent has woken up from its slumber.
Likening Napoleon Bonaparte’s opinion about China to the case of Africa, the VP said, “So, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the stories you hear about Africa are not that of doom and gloom. From DRC to Somalia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire, Africa is waking up from its slumber.
“I remember what Napoleon Bonaparte said about China, he said “China is a sleeping giant but when she wakes up, she will rattle the world”. So, Africa has woken up and we will take our rightful place in the comity of nations because as I said earlier, the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa. We are the youngest continent.”
Also drawing a leaf from the late Nigerian head of state, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, VP Shettima said Africa has come of age and can no longer be treated like an adolescent.
“I want to quote Murtala Mohammed – a Nigerian military leader at an extraordinary summit of the OAU, about 50 years ago. He said “Africa has come of age, it is no longer under the orbit of any extra-continental power, and it shall no longer take orders from any country, however powerful,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, in a show of African leadership collaboration at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Shettima, on Tuesday joined South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, as special guest of honor at a high-level briefing, following his earlier participation in the Africa Investment Forum.
….VP Shettima, Botswana’s President Hold Talks
- Meet WTO DG, Okonjo – Iweala
Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting where areas of mutual interest between both countries were discussed.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, is part of Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger intra-African relations and economic cooperation.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of leveraging their countries’ strengths to promote mutual growth and development.
The Vice President, who congratulated President Duma Boko on his election victory, called for deeper partnerships and collaborations between African nations, saying it is time Africa united and presented a common front on interests regarding the continent.
During the meeting, Vice President Shettima welcomed the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, introducing her to the Botswana President.
The Vice President commended Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s exceptional achievements, describing her as one of Africa’s finest.
Other areas of interest discussed between the two leaders included trade, investment and strengthening of diplomatic ties.
AT 2025 WEF, VP Shettima Markets Nigeria, Africa As Investment Destination
Niger Tanker Explosion: VP Shettima Expresses Dismay Over Loss Of Lives
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed dismay at the devastating tanker explosion that claimed several lives at Dikko Junction in Niger State.
He commiserated with families of the victims, assuring them of the federal government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.
The Vice President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as well as the government and people of Niger State.
The Vice President’s message follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier directive for immediate medical assistance to survivors and the implementation of stricter safety protocols along major highways.
The incident, which occurred when a fuel-laden tanker en route from Kaduna to Gwagwalada overturned at Dikko Junction, has prompted the federal government to announce a comprehensive review of transportation safety measures.
The Preident has also tasked the National Orientation Agency with launching an immediate nationwide awareness campaign on the dangers of approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers.
Niger Tanker Explosion: VP Shettima Expresses Dismay Over Loss Of Lives
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Ogidigben $20 billion Gas Project: Nigeria Receives Investment Commitment from Chinese Firm
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