Wednesday May 28, 2025|
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing regional rail and airline networks to connect the North-East states with neighbouring Lake Chad countries, as part of efforts to enhance economic integration and reduce overdependence on imports.
Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, made this known on Tuesday during a visit to the Borno State Government House in Maiduguri, ahead of the commissioning of projects executed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
Maigari said the government’s plan to establish regional transportation and industrial companies will unlock economic opportunities, foster regional trade, and create jobs for the teeming youth population.
“The ministry is working closely with the North-East Governors’ Forum to turn around the fortunes of the region. We are looking at establishing a North-East regional airline to connect states within the region and maximize cross-border opportunities with Chad, Niger, and Cameroon,” he said.
He added that plans are also underway for a North-East railway line to boost trade, improve security, and ensure safer movement of goods and people across the region.
Also on the table, Maigari disclosed, are the establishment of a North-East pharmaceutical company to locally produce essential medicines, and a power generation and distribution company that will leverage the region’s water resources—dams and canals—for electricity production.
“We also intend to establish a North-East Integrated Feed Mill and Poultry Company to drive agro-industrial development, and a regional civil engineering company to retain construction expertise and create employment,” the Minister said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission, Mohammed Alkali, announced that several completed projects are ready to be handed over to the Borno State Government.
“We are handing over about 60 boreholes across the state, 3,509 solar-powered streetlights, a fully equipped DSS ultra-modern clinic, an ICT centre for Monguno Polytechnic, and a wide range of building materials including blocks, roofing sheets, ceiling materials, nails, and wiring supplies,” Alkali stated.
In his remarks, Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum, Babagana Zulum, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued support to the region.
“We sincerely acknowledge the tremendous work you have been doing for the people of the North-East, particularly here in Borno State. Your efforts are helping to restore stability after over a decade of insurgency,” Zulum said.
