The Northeast’s poor road network is said to be contributing to the region’s high crime rate and lack of progress.
In an 11-point statement released after its ninth meeting in Yola, Adamawa State on Saturday, the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) made this clear.
Dismay was voiced about the region’s lackluster infrastructure in a statement signed by Forum Chairman and Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum and read by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Worried even more about the state of federal roadways within and between the states in the area. Accordingly, they urged the Federal Ministry of Works to “carry out road contracts awarded in the region.”
The Forum also expressed concern over the area’s subpar rail network.
Equally noted is the fact that outdated technology is not being used to fix the old gauge rail lines.
In a statement, the Forum requested, “Forum calls for inclusion of the region into the Nigerian National Railway Transport Plan using the Modern Gauge rail and the National Road plan that the region is conspicuously missing.”
The communiqué says the 10th Meeting will take place in Bauchi, Nigeria, from February 23rd to March 26th, 2024.
