Northeast’s Cry for Equity: NEGF urges FG on Capital Project Allocation Disparity
Northeast Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has accused the Federal Government (FG) of marginalising the Northeast region in the distribution of capital projects across the country.
This was contained in a communiqué Issued at the end of the 10th Meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) Held in Bauchi, Bauchi State.
The NEGF expressed deep concern over what they describe as “persistent neglect” in the allocation of federal resources for development projects.
The statement highlighted that despite the region’s significant contributions to the nation’s economy and its strategic importance, there has been a disproportionate allocation of capital projects compared to other regions.
According to the NEGF, this has led to a widening infrastructural gap that hinders economic growth and exacerbates the challenges faced by the people in the Northeast.
The NEGF’s outcry comes at a critical time when the region is striving to overcome the long-standing issues of insecurity and underdevelopment.
The forum has called for immediate action from the FG, urging a review of the current allocation system to ensure fair and equitable distribution of national resources.
The NEGF emphasised that such a move is crucial for fostering national unity and promoting balanced development across all geopolitical zones.
The North East Governors Forum urged Federal Government to rebuild the Enugu-Maiduguri roads and the Enugu-Maiduguri railway to promote and sustain economic growth and development in the region.
According to the forum, the rebuilding of roads and railways will address some of the critical economic and humanitarian issues affecting the six-member states.
The region which comprises Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe and Yobe states, alleged that the states have been neglected by the Federal Government in the siting of capital projects.
The NEGF’s statement has resonated with many citizens, who are now calling for transparency and accountability in the government’s approach to national development.
As the debate continues, in the eyes of the nation are fixed on the FG, awaiting a response that could redefine the trajectory of development in the Northeast and set a precedent for how regional concerns are addressed in Nigeria’s governance framework.
