The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has pointed out the dire consequences of the inadequate road network on the security and development trajectory of the region. This revelation emerged from an 11-point communique issued at the conclusion of the 9th NEGF meeting in Yola, Adamawa State.
Professor Babagana Zulum, the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Borno State, highlighted the dismay over the region’s ailing infrastructural foundation, emphasizing the neglected federal roads within and between the states. The forum called for urgent action from the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure the prompt execution of road contracts in the region.
Furthermore, the NEGF expressed concern about the unsatisfactory state of the rail system in the region, deeming the repairs on the old gauge rail lines as unsustainable. In light of this, the Forum urgently appealed for the integration of the region into the Nigerian National Railway Transport Plan, utilising modern gauge rail technology, and the National Road plan, from which the region is conspicuously excluded.
As part of its resolutions, the Forum announced plans to convene its 10th Meeting in Bauchi between 23rd February – 26th March, 2024.
