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
ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration
ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is consolidating movement of citizens of West Africa by inaugurating the second phase of the European Union (EU) funded project “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM II)” to advance economic growth.
Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja reiterated the commitment of economic blog to ensure free movement and encourage commerce and economic development in the sub region at the inauguration of the FMM II in Abuja on Thursday.
The event was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the ECOWAS Commission.
The vice-president explained that the FMM is designed to promote the free protocol and movement of persons, goods and services, as vision of ECOWAS for regional integration.
According to her, the initiative would demonstrate renewed commitment to ensure migration governance and regional mobility serve as pillars of development within the sub-region.
Tchintchibidja added that: “During the first phase of the project, we made significant progress in enhancing migration governance, strengthening boarder management and operational license to drive the free protocols.
“We reinforced migration governance, harmonised policies, strengthened border management systems, facilitation of labour mobility and supporting member states in aligning national policies with ECOWAS migration instruments.
“These achievements played key roles in enhancing regional security and economic mobility within our region, however, our work is far from over, benefits of migration must be fully harnessed.
“This requires structured, coordinated approach both at national and regional levels; we are optimistic FMM II will serve as vehicle towards addressing new-migration challenges, while capitalising on emerging opportunities.
“The FMM II will enhance mobility across borders in safe and orderly manner, through specific efforts to ascertain migration governance framework, enhance coordination mechanism, data driven policy making and integrated approaches.”
She stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that migration contribute positively to economic growth, stability and social-coercion in the ECOWAS region.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union (EU), Mr Massimo De Luka, said the five-year project aims to maximise development potential of free movement of persons and migration in West Africa.
He noted that the project would be achieved through support of the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons Protocol and the ECOWAS Common Approach to Migration.
He said: “The basis for cooperation and coordination on improving free movement of persons and migration in West Africa has been established.
“The second phase will deepen the cooperation in enhancing migration governance and at the same time commit to regional integration.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Litse commended the milestones achieved during the first phase to be in line with ECOWAS mission.
Toure-Litse was represented by Mr Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director, Free Movement of Persons of ECOWAS Commission/Project Coordinator, West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI).
Toure-Litse said, “This milestone reaffirms our collective commitment to regional integration, migration governance and sustainable development, which are core principles that underscores the ECOWAS mission.”
ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration
FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing
** We’ll be more deliberate in supporting small business owners to grow – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said that the federal government, working in collaboration with other stakeholders, will be more deliberate in ensuring growth in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) space in Nigeria.
To this end, the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has set up a committee to interface with the Central Bank of Nigeria to enhance the financing of small businesses in the country.
This was part of decisions taken on Tuesday at the first meeting of the National Council on MSMEs for 2025 held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking after deliberations by members, Vice President Shettima said the federal government, through its agencies and partners, has the moral burden of supporting growth in the MSME space and facilitating job creation across different sectors for Nigerians.
Reeling out the mandate of the committee, the Vice President said the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in supporting small businesses, evident in important policies and programmes, need to be complemented by stakeholders, especially the private sector.
The committee headed by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, has Ministers of Science and Technology; Women Affairs; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs as members.
Others include the CEOs of Bank of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Agriculture (BOI), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the representative of NACCIMA and the organized private sector.
In the same vein, Council also approved a loan scheme for MSMEs known as the syndicated de-risked loans for small businesses.
The scheme will be a partnership between state governments and financial institutions aimed at enhancing access to finance for MSMEs at single-digit rates across the country.
Vice President Shettima advised state governments to set up vehicles that are devoid of political interests to drive the implementation of the syndicated de-risked loans for the MSMEs scheme.
“Some of these initiatives are laudable and will need to outlive the present administrations in the States. Regardless of political affiliations, Nigerians must be seen to be the ultimate beneficiaries of these schemes that we are trying to put in place,” the VP stated.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, presented the ‘syndicated de-risked loans’ scheme for small businesses, seeking the cooperation of members and describing it as a game-changing programme to provide affordable and available loans for businesses.
He said the initiative is in acknowledgement of the President’s passion and commitment to the development of small businesses and aimed at providing more jobs for Nigerians.
In his presentation on the state of MSMEs in Nigeria, the DG SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said the agency was proposing an initiative which was born from a 3-day MSME conference held in 2024.
He said the initiative known as the GROW Nigeria strategy is to provide guidance, resources, opportunities, and the workforce to support the about 40 million small businesses across 8 distinct sectors.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai; the representatives of the Governors of Benue and Katsina States; the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh; Ministers of Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji; Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi; representative of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.
Others are the CEOs of Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); National Bureau of Statistics (NBS); the Presidents of NACCIMA and National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).
FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing
Akume Insists Tinubu Means Well for the Nation
By: Michael Mike
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen.George Akume has said President Bola Tinubu means well for the nation, pledging to continue to work hard to support the Nigerian leader to achieve his many laudable programmes and vision for the country.
Akume made the promise at the weekend when he was decorated as “Star Associate of President Tinubu,” and Grand Patron of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA),
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made the declaration while he was decorated as “Star Associate of President Tinubu” by the National Co-ordinator/President of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA), Hon. Henry Nwabueze, who led a delegation of leaders of the Movement to the SGF ‘s office at the weekend in Abuja.
Akume pledged to continue to support the policies of President Bola Tinubu in his quest to make Nigeria safe and economically viable again.
He also pledged to continue to work hard to support the Nigerian leader to achieve his many laudable programmes and vision for the country.
Nwabueze, on his part said Sen. Akume has given so much in service to Nigeria and in support for the Tinubu Administration that he became the best choice for the position of the Movement’s Grand Patron and the first to receive the award of “Star Associate of President Tinubu,” an award intended for those in diverse fields of endeavour whose very efforts are promoting the vision of Mr. President for a better Nigeria.
According to Nwabueze, a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and distinguished Delegate at the 2014 Justice Kutigi Nigerian National Conference initiated by the Jonathan Administration, Sen. Akume represents the Tinubu Administration’s efforts aimed at injecting competence, maturity as well as discipline and hard work in public governance, and thanked the SGF for accepting the two honours, revealing that in the weeks ahead Nigerians would see the advocacy campaigns of the Movement in support of President Tinubu’s efforts at repositioning the country.
He reiterated the advice to Nigerian politicians that anyone who is wishing to contest for the Office of President in 2027 should have a rethink, stressing that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa in that year.
Nwabueze added that: “The occasion today is a very short one and, therefore, does not require long speeches.
“Let me start by conveying the appreciation of the entire membership of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA), both at home and in the Diaspora, all who have unanimously agreed that the man that has been chosen as our Grand Patron more than fits the bill.
“For several years, even before some of us were born,His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) George Akume,CFR,has continued to serve this nation in diverse capacities.
“Whether as Permanent Secretary or Governor in his native State of Benue, Sen.(Dr.) Akume has for over fifty odd years held the flag of service and servant-leadership that has produced men and women of consummate repute and honour.
“Whether as Senator, Minister or even Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Sen.(Dr.) Akume’s place in the annals of history of our great nation remains one of honour well-deserved and laurels perpetually treasured.
“So, as we stand here today to decorate him as our Grand Patron and Star Associate of President Tinubu,the first in our list for such Honours,we are merely giving expression to what those who came before us saw to enlist him in the Benue Plateau Civil Service of his day,to make him Permanent Secretary in the Benue State Civil Service many years later,to make him Governor,to make him Senator, Minister and, today, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
“On behalf of the National Executive Council and, indeed,the General Congress of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates at home and abroad, I, Uche Henry Nwabueze, with the powers tacitly conferred on me by the Constitution of our Organisation, and in the name of the Most High God… Decorate you as Grand Patron of NTCA and as a Star Associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Your Excellency, the SGF is by this decoration welcomed to function in this capacity with all the rights and privileges attached thereto.
“Accept our humble congratulations,Your Excellency, our Grand Patron,”
The Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates( aka: No Vacancy in Aso Rock 2027) is a registered group of like-minded Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora,who are committed to the promotion of the laudable efforts and programmes of the Tinubu Administration to repositioning Nigeria for greatness
The Movement has membership in all the States of the Federation and the 774 Local Government Councils.
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