North East Govs call on FG to accelerate  execution of the Mambilla hydro electricity project

From David Kuvie Bauchi

Governors of the North East have called on the Federal Government to accelerate the execution of the Mambila hydroelectricity project to boost power supply in the subregion.

The made this known in a communique issued at the end of the 7th meeting of the North East Governors Forum (NEGF) held in Gombe on Friday and signed by the Chairman Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State.

The  North East Governors Forum in the communique, expressed concern on the poor state of power supply in the subregion, which at present receives less than five percent of national allocation of grid energy while accounting for 14 percent of the population and 30 percent  of landmass.

While noting the direct correlation between energy security and high level of poverty and our GDP status,  it called on the Federal Government to introduce innovative strategies by investing in the production of comparatively cheaper hydropower and renewable energy. 

“The Forum, noted the need to harness the vast untapped resources of the subregion by fostering integration in commerce as well as holding trade fairs with a view to attracting foreign investments,” it stated.

“The forum therefore, urged the North-east Council of Chambers of Commerce to revive the Northeast Joint Trade Fair and commodity markets to stimulate economic activities. 

“The Forum thanked the Federal Government for establishing the University of Health Sciences, in Azare to address the huge manpower deficit in the health sector and pledged to support the University to deliver on its mandate”

The governors expressed grave concern about the devastating effect of flooding which is destroying homes and livelihood including road infrastructures. 

They called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency direct its relevant agencies to immediately deploy all necessary interventions to ameliorate the situation in the affected areas.

“The Forum appreciates the Government and People of Gombe State for hosting the meeting,” it stated.

“It resolved to hold the 8th Meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State on Friday, 25th November, 2022”