The commission has unveiled a 10-year master plan.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritize strategic investments in enduring initiatives, specifically focusing on agriculture, education, and advanced transportation technologies, such as electric vehicles and tricycles.
This advice came during a meeting on Wednesday, where the NEDC board and management presented the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP) to Vice President Shettima at the State House in Abuja.
In discussing the NEDC's plans for the region, Shettima emphasized the importance of responsible resource management and encouraged the commission to invest in projects that would have a long-lasting impact on the region. He urged the NEDC to undertake "legacy projects" that would stand the test of time, particularly emphasizing agriculture and innovative transportation solutions like electric tricycles and vehicles. He noted that investments in smart transportation could attract climate funding.
Shettima also expressed President Bola Tinubu's commitment to restoring complete security to the North East region and pledged unwavering support for the NEDC in achieving its objectives. He encouraged the NEDC's board and management to work cohesively for the benefit of the people in the region.
Acknowledging the numerous challenges facing the region, Shettima stressed the importance of collaboration between the people and their leaders to overcome these obstacles. He expressed optimism that with determination, the region could surmount its challenges, noting that while the government couldn't eliminate poverty, it had a responsibility to combat it.
Furthermore, Vice President Shettima tasked the NEDC with initiating projects that would engage the youth population and create employment opportunities. He highlighted the significance of investing in education, agriculture, and electric vehicles as crucial areas for development.
During the meeting, Major General Paul Tarfa (rtd), Chairman of the NEDC board, explained that the purpose of their visit and presentation of the master plan was to emphasize the document's importance and ensure its effective implementation.
Additionally, Mohammed Alkali, the Managing Director of the NEDC, noted that the master plan was in accordance with the NEDC Act's Section 8 (1) (c), which requires the commission to develop a master plan based on the zone's needs assessment. He outlined the 10-year development plan, spanning from 2020 to 2030, which comprises four implementation phases, 11 pillars, and 529 schemes, programs, and projects.
