FG to establish regional rails, others to connect Lake Chad

The Federal government has reiterated its plans to establish railway and airline infrastructures to connect the states in the North east and maximise opportunities with the Lake Chad countries.

Speaking, Uba Maigari, the minister of state for regional development made this assertion at the Government House in Maiduguri on Tuesday, that establishment of regional companies would help reduce over dependent of exports and provides job opportunities for the teeming youths.

Maigari noted that the visit forms part of activities sheduled ahead of the commissioning of various projects executed by the North East Development Commission in Borno.

He said the project when completed will accelerate development and connect the region with countries in the lake Chad area.

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“The ministry will work closely  in collaboration with Northeast governors forum to attempt to turn around the fortunes of the region. We are looking at the possibility of within a very short time establish the North east regional airline to connect the state of the North east and maximise opportunities with our neighbors including Chad, Niger and Cameroon,” Maigari said.

“We also have on the table the North east rail line to link the region and ultimately create trade opportunity and safeguard the lives and properties of our citizens while undertaken their routine businesses. The North east pharmaceutical company  which will help in locally producing essentials including drugs and essential medicines and reduce dependency on import.”

He added that the Northeast power generation and distribution company is also on the table.

“We intend to take advantage of several water sources dams, and carnals, possibly to generate electricity and also set up a distribution unit to make money for the North east development commission,” he said. 

“The North east intergerated feed mill and poultry company to drive agro industrial growth. A North east civil engineering company to create jobs and retain construction expertise within the region.”

Speaking earlier, Mohammed Alkali, the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission, stated that the commission has completed various projects that are set to be handed over to the state government.

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“We are going to hand over about 60 boreholes constructed across the state, 3,509 Solar street lights, construction and fully equipped DSS ultra modern clinic, ICT centre for Monguno polytechnic, alot of building materials including blocks, zinc, ceilings, nails and wiring materials among others,” he said.

Responding, Governor and Chairman of North East governors forum, Babagana Zulum appreciated the Federal government’s commitment to the welfare of the people and its quest in ensuring stability in the North east after the over a decade of insurgency 

“The tremendous support that you have been rendering to the good people of North east region. We appreciate and sincerely acknowledge the good work that you have been doing especially here in Borno state.” he said.