Tinubu Determined To Accelerate North East Development – Minister

Minister of State for Regional Development, Barr. Uba Ahmadu Maigari, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fast-tracking development in the North East region f.

The minister declared that the region is already on course for massive infrastructural transformation, as seen in the various development projects initiated and underway by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Maigari, who stated this in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, said President Tinubu is aware of the challenges confronting the region and had taken steps to reverse them to improve the well-being of the people.

According to him, NEDC has, over the past two years, executed and delivered numerous people-centred projects across the six states of the region.

He noted that over two decades of insurgency have severely hampered growth and infrastructure development, adding that, to attain his administration’s development goal, addressing insecurity was the administration’s first priority.

“Let us tell ourselves the truth, the bulk of the security challenges confronting the country were concentrated in the North-East for a very long time.

Naturally, meaningful development cannot thrive under such an atmosphere,” he said.

“What this administration has done is to tackle insecurity to a very large extent and then channel resources towards deliberate development of the region.”

Barr. Maigari further said that his recent tour of projects with the NEDC, during which several projects were inspected, commissioned and handed over to the government, further shows the determination of President Tinubu to deliver on his mandate.

“I must say the achievements are impressive. And this is just one agency. The ministry is also working assiduously, while other ministries such as Works and Education are equally executing critical projects in the region,” he added.

The minister urged residents of the region to support government efforts in taking ownership of completed projects and encouraged communities to cooperate with security agencies.

“We must be bold enough to stand against those determined to keep the region in perpetual chaos. Do not harbour them. Report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities,” he said.

On concerns that Nigeria could drift into a one-party state, the Minister dismissed the notion as unrealistic.

“Such an idea may be entertained in very small countries, not a diverse and populous nation like Nigeria. What we are witnessing is a vote of confidence in the president, based on his prudent management and bold decisions that previous administrations were reluctant to take,” he stated.

He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would yield lasting benefits, adding that even critics would eventually acknowledge the administration’s policies’ positive impact.