By Abdulkareem Haruna
DAMATURU, Nigeria – Governors of Nigeria’s volatile North East region have issued a stark warning about the crippling impact of poor road infrastructure, directly linking it to the pervasive insecurity plaguing the area.
In a communique released today following their 11th forum meeting in Damaturu, Yobe State, the governors urgently called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issue of abandoned road projects, emphasizing their critical role in combating poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states, with Bauchi State represented by its Deputy Governor, underscored that the dilapidated state of roads across the subregion is not merely an inconvenience but a significant factor exacerbating the security crisis.
The poor network hinders the movement of security forces, impedes economic activity, and isolates communities, making them more vulnerable.
“The Forum notes that the poor road network in the subregion is contributing to the insecurity in the region,” the communique stated emphatically.
The governors specifically implored the President to treat the completion of abandoned road projects as a matter of urgent national concern, recognizing their potential to unlock economic opportunities, improve access to essential services, and ultimately contribute to a more secure environment.
This direct appeal highlights the growing frustration among regional leaders who believe that a multi-pronged approach, encompassing infrastructure development alongside military action, is essential to effectively tackle the root causes of instability in the North East.
The governors reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with the Federal Government to address the multifaceted challenges facing the subregion.
The Humanitarian Times 