By Gbenga Akingbule .
The massive legacy projects executed by the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, have been identified by the Implementation Committee of the National Economic Council (NEC) as some of the state’s notable development interventions, demonstrating a strong commitment to effective project implementation and sustainable development.
Gatekeepers News reports that the NEC Implementation Committee, led by Bala Musa Giade from the NEC Secretariat, expressed satisfaction with the pace, quality and level of implementation of the projects during an inspection tour of selected projects across the state.
Also, the NEC Team Lead for the North-East Zone, who doubles as the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development in Borno State, Hon. Dr. Maina Yaumi, commended the Zulum-led administration after concluding a four-day tour of project sites across some local government areas of the state.
Hon Yaumi stated that that the NEC taem was in the state to assess the level of implemtation of decisions reached at the NEC meetings headed by Vice President Kashim Sherttima .He reveal that that the inititive is geared towards encouraging heathy competion amonst states and esure rapid development in all sectors .
According to Hon.Yaumi who had visited other Norrh Eastern states before arriving in Borno , the inspection formed part of efforts by the NEC to assess the implementation and impact of major government projects, particularly those with direct implications for economic growth, human capital development and improved living conditions.
Among the projects inspected were key infrastructure and development initiatives embarked upon by the Zulum administration in various sectors, including the World- Class 400- bed Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital ( KIUTH), the ongoin constrution of International Conferece Centre, the ongoin construction of Orthopedic Hospital. fully furnished Nursing Quaters , Post office flyover , fully equiped modern maga schools , the World Bank assissted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project in Borno State amongst others .
The projects, which are spread across different parts of the state, reflect Zulum’s broader development agenda aimed at rebuilding communities, expanding access to essential services and creating an enabling environment for economic activities.
Speaking during visit to Borno State Deputy Governo, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur , the team lead and members of the NEC team commended the State Government for maintaining a strong focus on project delivery despite the enormous developmental challenges confronting the state.
” I and my team have visited other states in the North-East to inspect projects, but ,its not because i’m from this state, it’s a testement that what we saw here in Borno State interms of develomet strides is far more and none comparable to all the North East states we’ve visited.” Hon Yaumi said
The team noted that effective implementation of capital projects remains crucial to translating government policies and budgets into tangible benefits for citizens, stressing the importance of quality, sustainability and value for money.
The inspection also provided an opportunity for the team to assess the extent to which the projects are meeting their intended objectives and contributing to the socio-economic transformation of the state.
It is pertinent to note that Governor Zulum has, over the last 7 years, prioritised the execution of critical infrastructure as part of his administration’s efforts to rebuild Borno and accelerate its recovery and development following 17 years of insurgency.
The administration’s approach has placed emphasis not only on the construction of new infrastructure but also on upgrading existing facilities to meet modern standards and improve service delivery.
At the end of the inspection, the NEC team said it would submit a comprehensive report detailing its findings and recommendations, particularly on challenges observed during the exercise, for appropriate action by the relevant authorities.
