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NEDC Sparks New Era of Growth with Multi-Billion Naira Investments in North-East

Published

2 months ago

July 30, 2026

By Joel Ajayi

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has launched what is arguably the most ambitious development drive in its history, unveiling a multi-billion naira investment package aimed at ushering in a new era of economic growth, industrialisation and sustainable prosperity across Nigeria’s North-East.

The landmark initiatives, approved by the Commission’s Governing Board, signal a major shift from post-insurgency reconstruction to long-term economic transformation, with strategic investments in renewable energy, transportation, healthcare, enterprise development, electric mobility and regional connectivity.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the Governing Board meeting and a press conference on the Commission’s intervention programmes and operations, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, said the investments mark the beginning of the “Expansion and Sustainable Growth” phase of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).

According to him, having spent years rebuilding communities affected by insurgency and humanitarian crises, the Commission is now focused on unlocking the region’s enormous economic potential through strategic infrastructure, industrialisation, private sector participation and job creation.

“The North-East is no longer defined by its past but by the promise of its future,” Alkali declared, adding that the Commission is laying the foundation for a prosperous, investment-friendly and globally competitive region.

Leading the investment package is a ₦100 billion commitment to a 50-megawatt solar mini-grid programme, designed to expand access to reliable electricity for homes, schools, hospitals, markets, agricultural clusters and industries across the North-East.

Alkali said the renewable energy initiative builds on the success of the Commission’s “Light Up the North-East” programme, which has already delivered more than 100,000 solar-powered streetlights, improving public safety and extending economic activities across the region.

To further strengthen regional economic integration, the Governing Board also approved plans to advance the proposed North-East Railway Project, expected to improve freight and passenger transportation, reduce logistics costs, strengthen agricultural value chains and boost regional and cross-border trade.

The Commission also endorsed the establishment of a North-East Regional Airline, which is expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate business travel, promote tourism, improve emergency response and attract greater domestic and foreign investment.

Another major highlight of the investment package is the rollout of the Commission’s flagship Electric Vehicle (EV) Programme, positioning the North-East as a pioneer in Nigeria’s transition to clean and sustainable transportation.

The programme will commence with the deployment of 300 electric taxis, electric minibuses and larger buses as part of a phased rollout of more than 10,000 electric vehicles, supported by charging infrastructure and maintenance facilities.

According to Alkali, the initiative will not only modernise public transportation but also create thousands of green jobs for engineers, technicians, mechanics, ICT professionals and transport operators through technology transfer and local capacity development.

To stimulate entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities, the Commission approved the establishment of a ₦30 billion NEDC-Bank of Industry (BOI) MSME Development Fund.

The fund will provide affordable financing, business development services and capacity-building support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those owned by youths and women, with the goal of accelerating inclusive economic growth across the region.

Healthcare also received a significant boost, with the Board approving the procurement of eight state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla Helium-Free MRI machines, alongside CT Scan machines, digital X-ray systems, mammography equipment and dialysis machines for deployment across the six North-East states.

The package also includes 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, aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare services within the region.

To ensure effective implementation of the projects, the NEDC announced strategic partnerships with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to support renewable energy, industrialisation, enterprise development and skills acquisition.

Highlighting the Commission’s commitment to excellence, Alkali disclosed that the NEDC has attained five International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications, reflecting its adherence to transparency, accountability and globally recognised standards in project delivery.

He described the newly approved investments as one of the most comprehensive development packages ever undertaken by the Commission, noting that they are designed to unlock private investment, create employment, improve productivity and position the North-East as a peaceful, prosperous and competitive economic hub.

Alkali reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to implementing the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that the investments will spark a new era of growth and firmly place the region on the path from recovery to lasting prosperity.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

11 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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