By Abdulkareem Haruna
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Engineer Abubakar Momoh, Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, has expressed strong confidence that the extensive development projects undertaken by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) will be instrumental in securing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The minister’s remarks followed a two-day working tour of NEDC operation in Borno state, where he inspected various NEDC projects.
Momoh highlighted significant strides in infrastructure and community development, particularly a 45-kilometer network of newly constructed roads.
“These aren’t just roads destroyed by insurgency; they are freshly constructed roads designed to improve the lives of the people in these areas,” Momoh stated during a press briefing at the conclusion of his tour.
He emphasized that these roads connect vital economic hubs like Jere Bowel , known for its farming activities, and are expected to significantly boost agricultural output by linking various towns and villages in a continuous loop.
The minister also lauded the NEDC’s role in establishing an entirely new community in Gubio, featuring modern housing units for displaced persons and those previously without permanent homes. This large-scale project includes essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, and police stations, all constructed by the commission. Momoh noted that life is flourishing in the area, with residents leveraging the improved road network to enhance agricultural productivity. He anticipates the NEDC will extend such initiatives to other communities, fostering comfortable living and working environments.
Momoh recounted a courtesy call on the Deputy Governor, who commended the NEDC’s efforts. The minister and his team spent a full day supervising projects, including the Ngwom 1000 housing estates for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the extensive road network around the Jere axis, which he described as “wonderful.”
Beyond new constructions, Momoh also inspected the NEDC’s state office, generously provided by the current Vice President during his tenure as governor.
“This office is undergoing transformation and, once completed, is expected to enhance the NEDC’s visibility.”
He also visited the NEDC’s new corporate head office, a “fantastic” structure with a basement and foundation piles deep enough to support a 8-story building, signaling the robust and long-term vision behind these projects.
Momoh attributed all these developments – from roads and new communities to office buildings – to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment. He noted that the foundations for many of these initiatives were laid by the current Vice President, asserting that the administration is singularly focused on the best interests of the people in the Northeast.
When asked if the President had done enough to warrant a second term, Momoh unequivocally responded, “Yes, absolutely. He has done a remarkable amount, though perhaps the publicity hasn’t been sufficient.” He expressed optimism that the full establishment of new regional commissions would lead to even more widespread transformation.
Momoh drew a contrast with past administrations, stating, “Previous administrations often lacked the courage to make bold decisions.” He praised President Tinubu for making “very courageous decisions that no one else dared to make, all to achieve meaningful progress,” including addressing a corrupt system of fuel subsidiary and working to harmonize the exchange rate. He also highlighted the significant empowerment initiatives undertaken by these regional commissions.
“If this level of bold initiatives had existed 20-25 years ago, Nigeria would have been much further ahead in terms of development. Previous administrations often lacked the courage to make bold decisions. As the President has shown, you have to break an egg to make an omelette. He has made very courageous decisions that no one else dared to make, all to achieve meaningful progress. He addressed a very corrupt system and worked to harmonize the exchange rate.”
The minister assured that the first phase of the 45-kilometer road network being constructed by the NEDC would be completed soon, with the entire network to follow. He stated with “reasonable authority” that most of these projects would be completed within a year, all for the benefit of the people, thereby solidifying support for the President’s potential second term.
The Humanitarian Times 