Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed deep concern on Saturday in Maiduguri, stating that the Boko Haram insurgency has inflicted significant damage worth $9 billion on the Northeast region of Nigeria.
Shettima made this statement while inaugurating the distribution of palliatives in the North East. He also officially initiated the construction of the 22.5km Jere Bowl road network project, covering Jere and Mafa Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno State. The road project is being undertaken by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
The Vice President’s remarks were made during the 8th meeting of the North East Governors Forum (NEGF).
Shettima revealed that Borno State alone had suffered damages amounting to $6.8 billion. He emphasized the extensive destruction across Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba as well, comparing the economic situation of the Northeast to that of Chad, Afghanistan, and Niger, highlighting the region’s dire need for reconstruction and support.
He urged the NEDC to expand its intervention to include more road projects across the Northeast, such as the Gombe-Bauchi, Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu, and Gujiba-Biu roads, among others, which are considered critical for the region’s development.
Shettima praised the NEDC for its prudent resource management and the support received from political leaders and legislators in the region. He also commended the unity and collaboration among the Northeast governors, despite their diverse backgrounds.
Regarding the distribution of palliatives worth N15 billion to beneficiaries in 110 LGAs and 18 senatorial districts across the region, Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of the people. The palliatives include items such as mats, clothing materials, blankets, rice, and vegetable oil.
Additionally, Shettima acknowledged the progress made by security agencies in the fight against insurgency but called for intensified efforts to eliminate any remaining fighters hiding in enclaves within the region.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, disclosed that the commission’s first phase of the Jere Bowl road network construction is part of several infrastructure projects underway across the region. He also mentioned plans to partner with states for affordable, energy-efficient electric and CNG-fueled vehicles in alignment with the government’s transport initiatives.
The meeting was attended by governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), as well as deputy governors from Taraba and Gombe states, along with members of the National Assembly, among others.
