By Abdul Kareem

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — In a landmark event on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima laid the foundation stone for the new corporate headquarters of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC).

This ambitious project, pegged at N26.8 billion, is set to be more than just a building; it will be a beacon of hope and renewal for Maiduguri and the entire northeastern region.

The inauguration ceremony, held in the heart of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, marked a pivotal moment in the region’s ongoing development efforts. The new NEDC office, an imposing 8-story structure, is poised to become an iconic feature of the city’s skyline, symbolizing the resilience and forward-looking spirit of the area.

Dr. Mohammed Goni Alkali, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEDC, underscored the legal foundation and the extensive scope of the project in his welcoming address.

“Section 9 (1) of the NEDC Act stipulates 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.’ Today’s foundation laying ceremony is in compliance with this legal mandate,” Dr. Alkali said.

He elaborated on the features of the upcoming complex: “The 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 a Humanitarian Center, among others.”

He said the NEDC is currently rolling out the North-East Stabilization and Development Master Plan (NESDMP), a comprehensive blueprint designed to catalyze socio-economic development across the region.

Dr. Alkali also emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these objectives, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Wednesday event also featured the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the Jere Bowl Road Network, a vital infrastructure project spanning 22. kilometres. Vice President Shettima highlighted the significant progress made on the first phase of the project, which is now over 95% complete.

Vice President Shettima reiterated the significance of the day’s events, stating, “NEDC is a product of the people, and it shall serve the interests of the nation. It is this foundational principle that guides the NEDC. This institution embodies our collective resolve to transform the narrative of this region—from one marred by despair and devastation to one defined by renewal and triumph.”

“Today is a demonstration of our promise, an assurance of our commitment, and a reminder of what this sub-region means to the nation,” he added, stressing that the new headquarters represents more than just infrastructure; it symbolizes the nation’s collective will to rebuild and restore the Northeast.

Groundbreaking of Jere Bowl pass 2 rural road project

“This head office shall symbolize the strength of our shared aspirations as a people with shared objectives. As we lay this foundation, we do so with a vision of a North-East that is vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking,” he said.

The Vice President also launched the Commission’s Agricultural Interventions scheme aimed at boosting food production and security across the Northeast. The initiative includes the distribution of a wide array of agricultural machinery and inputs to farmers in all 18 Senatorial Districts of the region.

Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya praised Vice President Shettima’s efforts in mobilizing support for the smooth operations of the NEDC. “We are very proud of what you are doing as our leader in the North East by ensuring the smooth take-off of this project as well as enhancing the operations of the NEDC,” Governor Yahaya said.

Acting Governor of Borno State, Usman Kadafur, lauded the achievements of the NEDC, describing its efforts as a “quite successful story” and a source of pride for the Northeast.

The Chairman of the Governing Board of NEDC, Major General Paul Tarfa (rtd), noted that the foundation laying for the new headquarters symbolizes a new chapter in the Commission’s history, reflecting its growth and future aspirations.

The event drew a host of dignitaries, including the Yobe State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Barde Gubana, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and traditional rulers such as the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Garbai, and the Emir of Fika, Dr. Muhammadu Idrissa.

It is noteworthy that the N26.8 billion investment in the NEDC headquarters is significantly higher than the N7 billion cost of the Vice President’s official residence in Abuja. Furthermore, this sum could effectivelydrill approximately 39,714 heavy-duty boreholes at a cost of NGN700,000 each across northern Nigeria, potentially transforming access to clean water in the region. But, as the MD said, the building is necessitated by the Act that establishes the Commission itself.

As the Northeast looks ahead to a future of renewal and growth, the new NEDC headquarters stands not only as an architectural marvel but also as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of its people. This towering edifice is set to redefine Maiduguri’s skyline and serve as a central hub for the strategic efforts aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing the subregion.