North-East Governors Criticize Federal Government for Neglect in Capital Project Allocation

The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) expressed strong discontent on Saturday regarding the Federal Government’s neglect of their region in the allocation of capital projects. The governors voiced their concerns during the forum’s 10th meeting in Bauchi State, highlighting significant infrastructure deficiencies and inadequate government attention.

In a communique signed by the NEGF Chairman, Prof. Babagana Zulum, the governors underscored the persistent neglect despite repeated calls for action. The statement emphasized the dire condition of infrastructure critical for the region’s development and national integration.

“Forum reiterates its concern over the seeming neglect of the North-East in the allocation of Federal Government capital projects. Despite its cry for attention on the state of infrastructure in the region, especially the poor road and railway infrastructure along the economic corridors that link the North-East subregion to the rest of the country, nothing serious seems to be happening,” the communique read.

Infrastructure Concerns

The governors specifically pointed out the deplorable state of the Enugu to Maiduguri road and the destroyed railway from Enugu to Maiduguri. This route is vital for regional trade and national integration, yet it remains severely neglected. The region’s exclusion from the National Infrastructure Plan for the transition from Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS) to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) was also criticized.

“The Forum is calling on the Federal Government to look into the situation and consider the reconstruction of these basic infrastructures along the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor and inclusion of NE in all National Development Plans and initiatives,” the communique stated.

Power Supply Issues

The NEGF lambasted the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for its inadequate response to power outages that have plagued the region for the past month. The governors are closely monitoring TCN’s commitment to restoring power by May 27, 2024. As an immediate measure, the forum resolved to set up solar power plants generating a minimum of 10 Megawatts per state.

“Forum notes with dismay, the blackout experienced by the region over the last one month and the nonchalant attitude exhibited by the TCN in addressing this issue of national importance for the security and development of the country,” the statement added.

Single Transmission Line Challenge

The governors expressed deep concern over the reliance on a single transmission line for the region, which is home to over 35 million people and spans nearly 300,000 square kilometers. This setup makes the North-East the most vulnerable and disadvantaged for industrial development and economic growth.

“Forum notes with deep concern that the Northeast is the only region in Nigeria that has one transmission line supplying six states. This has made the region the most vulnerable and most disadvantaged for industrial development and economic growth,” the communique noted.

The forum called for urgent action to implement the extension of the 330KV transmission line from Makurdi to Gassol, Jalingo, Adamawa, Gombe, and Bauchi, as well as from Kano to Bauchi and Yobe, linking to Borno.

Hydroelectric Power Utilization

The governors also urged the Federal Government to maximize the use of existing hydroelectric dams to boost power supply. They highlighted the unutilized potential of the Kashimbilla and Dadin Kowa dams, which have not been fully tapped due to the Ministry of Power’s failure to extend necessary transmission lines.

“Forum resolved to maximize the existing hydropower generated in Kashimbilla and Dadin Kowa dam which the region has not been benefitting from because the Ministry of Power has failed to extend the 330KV line of Makurdi – Gassol- Jalingo line,” the communique concluded.

The NEGF’s calls for action reflect a broader demand for equitable development and adequate federal support to address the pressing infrastructure and power supply challenges in the North-East region.