Federal Govt Approves N130bn Investment For Power, MSMEs In North-East

The federal government, through the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has approved a package of landmark investments worth N130 billion, including a N100 billion 50-megawatt solar mini-grid power programme and a N30 billion MSME Development Fund, to accelerate economic growth and regional transformation across the North-East.

The approvals, announced on Thursday in Abuja, form part of the Commission’s transition from post-insurgency recovery to long-term economic development under the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP) and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Addressing journalists after the board meeting, the managing director and chief executive officer of the NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, said the Commission was entering a new phase focused on expansion and sustainable growth after years of rebuilding communities devastated by insurgency.

He said the new investments would strengthen infrastructure, expand access to renewable energy, improve healthcare, boost enterprise development and attract private investment into the region.

“Today marks another defining milestone in the transformation of the North-East. The decisions of the Governing Board reaffirm the North East Development Commission’s commitment to delivering sustainable development in line with the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Alkali said.

According to him, the Commission has successfully laid the foundation for recovery and is now shifting its attention to long-term prosperity.

“The North-East is no longer defined by its past, but by the promise of its future. We are moving from recovery, renewal and stabilisation to development, from recovery to prosperity,” he stated.

A major highlight of the approvals is the N100 billion investment to deploy 50 megawatts of renewable energy through solar mini-grids and distributed energy systems across the six North-East states.

Alkali said the project was conceived to address the region’s severe electricity deficit, noting that only about 39 per cent of residents currently have access to electricity, leaving 61 per cent without reliable power.

He explained that the project would provide electricity to homes, schools, hospitals, markets, agricultural clusters and industrial parks while lowering energy costs and improving productivity.

“Reliable and affordable electricity is fundamental to achieving sustainable economic growth. This 50MW renewable energy programme is a strategic intervention that will expand energy access, stimulate local economic activity and strengthen energy security across the region,” he said.

He added that the initiative would support agro-processing, healthcare delivery, education, digital innovation, job creation and Nigeria’s transition to clean energy.

The Governing Board also approved the establishment of a N30 billion NEDC-Bank of Industry MSME Development Fund to provide affordable financing, business development services and capacity-building support for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Alkali said the intervention would focus on youth- and women-owned businesses as part of efforts to stimulate entrepreneurship, strengthen local industries and create sustainable employment.

“The Fund is expected to stimulate entrepreneurship, strengthen local industries, create employment and accelerate inclusive economic growth across the region,” he said.

The Commission also unveiled plans to roll out one of Africa’s largest electric mobility programmes, with more than 10,000 electric vehicles to be deployed in phases.

“The programme includes electric taxis, 12-seater electric minibuses and larger-capacity buses, supported by charging infrastructure and maintenance facilities.”

According to the NEDC, the initiative is expected to modernise public transportation, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, create green jobs and position the North-East as a leader in sustainable mobility.

The Board also approved plans to advance the proposed North-East Railway project and establish a North-East Regional Airline to improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and attract investment.

As part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, the Commission approved the procurement of eight state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla helium-free MRI machines, CT scanners, digital X-ray systems, dialysis machines, and other advanced diagnostic equipment for tertiary hospitals across the North-East.

Alkali said the investments would significantly improve access to specialist healthcare services and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the region.

“Healthcare remains a cornerstone of our commitment to improving the quality of life across the region. These investments will strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand access to specialist medical services,” he said.

He added that the Commission had also approved the upgrade of the Borno Eye Hospital into a modern ophthalmic centre and the establishment of a fully equipped fertility centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Highlighting the Commission’s achievements, Alkali disclosed that the NEDC has completed more than 300 kilometres of roads and over 50 bridges across the North-East, improving connectivity and access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.

He said the Commission had also installed more than 100,000 solar-powered streetlights, constructed 18 mega schools, delivered 49 tertiary education projects, and expanded access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities across the region.

The managing director further revealed that the Commission recently attained five International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certifications, covering quality management, environmental management, occupational health and safety, anti-bribery systems and sustainable community development.

“These achievements have been delivered through strengthened institutional governance, demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence in public service delivery,” he said.

Alkali described the latest approvals as one of the most ambitious development packages since the Commission was established, saying they would help unlock private investment, strengthen regional competitiveness and improve the quality of life across the North-East.

“These investments are more than projects; they are catalysts for change, growth and development that will improve lives, strengthen communities and unlock the enormous economic potential of the North-East. The North-East is ready—from recovery to prosperity,” he said.