The North East Development Commission has inaugurated seven infrastructure and capacity-building projects in Yobe, reaffirming its commitment to the reconstruction and long-term development of the North-East region.

NEDC chief executive Mohammed Alkali announced this during the inauguration in Damaturu on Monday.

He highlighted the key completed projects, including the new state office complex, ICT centres in Damaturu, Gashua, and Potiskum, as well as the newly built mega schools in Buni Yadi and Potiskum.

“We are decentralising our operations to bring development closer to the people. 

“Yobe is the first state to receive a commissioned NEDC office among the six North-East states, reflecting the state’s readiness and partnership,” Mr Alkali said.

He said NEDC had also constructed a 250-seat lecture auditorium at Yobe State University and installed solar streetlights in various communities to enhance security and promote nighttime economic activities.

Mr Alkali said that 12 additional projects were at advanced stages of completion across the state and would soon be commissioned.

In his remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni appealed for further support in road infrastructure, water supply, housing, and youth empowerment programmes.

Mr Buni called for the rehabilitation of strategic road corridors, including the Damaturu–Mazagum and Gaidam–Damasak roads, and the expansion of potable water and shelter projects to support displaced communities.

Earlier, Uba Ahmadu, the minister of state for regional development, commended the commission for its consistency in delivering impactful projects in alignment with the federal government’s renewed hope agenda.

Mr Ahmadu noted that the ministry, established in October 2024, was created to coordinate sustainable growth across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones through regional development commissions.

The minister outlined the federal government’s eight priority intervention areas for the North-East, including security and stabilisation programmes, education and vocational training, and renewable energy initiatives. Others are maternal and child health services, agro-industrial development, infrastructure rehabilitation, and humanitarian assistance.

Mr Ahmadu also unveiled plans for future transformative projects, including the establishment of a North-East regional airline and a rail line linking the region to Calabar port. Others are a pharmaceutical company, a regional power utility firm, and integrated agricultural processing hubs.

(NAN)