Senator Ali Ndume’s appeal for prioritized development in the North-East region underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the infrastructural deficit caused by years of insurgency and neglect. His call comes on the heels of a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the North-East Governors’ Forum, where a comprehensive list of abandoned federal road projects was presented. The senator’s emphasis on special provisions in the upcoming 2025 supplementary budget and the 2026 budget proposal highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to prevent the region from falling further behind the rest of the nation in terms of development. The region, ravaged by over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency, has witnessed significant destruction of its infrastructure, crippling its economy and disrupting the lives of its citizens. Ndume’s advocacy underlines the importance of proactive measures to rebuild the region’s infrastructure and revitalize its economy.
The senator’s statement emphasizes the critical role of infrastructure in the region’s recovery and growth. Adequate road networks, for instance, are essential for facilitating trade, access to essential services, and the movement of people and goods. The absence of functional infrastructure not only hampers economic activities but also isolates communities and limits their access to healthcare, education, and other vital services. The lack of development in the North-East, as Ndume points out, is a direct consequence of the protracted insurgency that has plagued the region for over 15 years. The Boko Haram insurgency, with its widespread violence and destruction, forced many contractors to abandon projects, leaving critical infrastructure incomplete and further hindering the region’s development. With the insurgency now receding, there is a renewed opportunity to rebuild and revitalize the North-East, and Ndume’s call for prioritized development is a timely reminder of the urgent need to seize this opportunity.
Ndume’s call for special consideration in the upcoming budgets is a strategic move to secure the necessary funding for these crucial projects. He argues that the North-East deserves special attention from the Federal Government due to the unique challenges it faces. Years of conflict have not only destroyed physical infrastructure but have also had a devastating impact on the region’s human capital. The displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, and disruption of education have created a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment that requires focused intervention. Allocating specific funds for the North-East in the upcoming budgets would demonstrate a commitment to addressing the region’s specific needs and ensuring its equitable share of national development.
The senator’s commendation of the governors’ efforts highlights the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments in tackling the region’s challenges. The governors’ presentation of a detailed list of abandoned projects signifies a proactive approach to addressing the region’s infrastructure deficit. By engaging directly with the President and advocating for specific projects, the governors are demonstrating their commitment to the region’s development and their willingness to work with the Federal Government to achieve common goals. Ndume’s encouragement for the governors to maintain pressure on the Federal Government and continue designing people-focused policies underscores the importance of sustained advocacy and community-oriented development strategies.
The senator’s statement also alludes to the improved security situation in the North-East, which now allows contractors to return to project sites and resume construction activities. The relative peace achieved through the efforts of the military provides a conducive environment for rebuilding the region’s infrastructure. This window of opportunity must be utilized effectively to make significant progress on stalled projects and initiate new ones that will contribute to the region’s long-term development. The renewed focus on infrastructure development should be accompanied by efforts to address the root causes of the insurgency, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and opportunities.
In conclusion, Senator Ndume’s appeal for prioritized development in the North-East region is a critical intervention that underscores the urgent need for focused investment in the region’s infrastructure. His call for special budgetary provisions and his commendation of the governors’ efforts highlight the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments in tackling the region’s challenges. The improved security situation presents a unique opportunity to rebuild the North-East and ensure that it is not left behind in the nation’s development journey. The focus on infrastructure development, coupled with efforts to address the root causes of the insurgency and implement people-focused policies, will be essential for achieving sustainable peace and prosperity in the region.
