The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone E, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate mobilization of contractors to resume work on four critical road projects in the northeast region. The affected projects include the Numan-Gombe, Numan-Jalingo, Damaturu-Buni Yafi, and Biu-Garkida roads. NANS Zone E Coordinator, Umar Afkawa, emphasized the urgent need for these projects to be completed, citing the prolonged hardship faced by students, commuters, and residents due to their current state of disrepair and incompletion. The ultimatum, which commenced on a Thursday, underscores the students’ growing frustration with the government’s unfulfilled promises and the detrimental impact of these stalled projects on the region’s socio-economic fabric.
The Numan-Gombe and Numan-Jalingo roads serve as crucial transportation arteries connecting Adamawa State to Gombe and Taraba states, respectively. Their dilapidated condition impedes trade, access to education, and healthcare services, significantly impacting the lives of residents in these states. Similarly, the Damaturu-Buni Yadi road in Yobe State and the Biu-Garkida road in Borno State play vital roles in connecting communities and facilitating economic activities. The delays in completing these projects have not only hampered regional development but also compounded the challenges faced by communities already grappling with security concerns and limited infrastructure.
NANS’s demands extend beyond the mere resumption of work. The student body insists on a comprehensive timeline for the completion of all four projects from the Minister of Works, David Umahi. They are also calling on the Federal Government to identify and address the underlying challenges hindering the progress of these vital infrastructure projects. This demand for transparency and accountability reflects the students’ determination to ensure that these projects are not only restarted but also completed within a reasonable timeframe. The students argue that the persistent delays have gone on for far too long, and they are determined to hold the government accountable for its promises.
The students’ ultimatum carries a significant weight, as they have vowed to embark on mass protests across Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, and Borno states if their demands are not met within the stipulated 14-day period. They plan to mobilize students and community members to participate in these demonstrations, amplifying their call for action and drawing greater attention to the plight of the affected communities. The students’ willingness to resort to protests highlights the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for the government to address their concerns. They are not merely seeking empty promises but tangible action that will result in the completion of these critical road projects.
Furthermore, NANS Zone E intends to engage with relevant stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives, to escalate their concerns and exert pressure on the government. They recognize that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to achieve their goals and are committed to working with all interested parties to ensure that the voices of the affected communities are heard. This collaborative approach underscores the students’ understanding of the complexities involved in infrastructure development and their commitment to working within existing structures to achieve positive change.
The students’ ultimatum underscores the critical role of infrastructure in national development and the significant impact of its absence on communities. The deplorable state of these roads not only hinders economic growth and access to essential services but also poses safety risks for commuters. NANS’s decisive action serves as a call for greater government accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the people. They are determined to ensure that these road projects are prioritized and completed, thereby providing much-needed relief to the affected communities and facilitating the region’s socio-economic development. The 14-day ultimatum serves as a crucial test of the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and its responsiveness to the concerns of its citizens.
