CSO Urge FG To Increase NEDC Budgetary Allocation To Scale Up Projects In Bauchi
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organization has called on the federal government to increase the budgetary allocation for the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to scale up projects and investment in human capital development.
The chairman of the network Mr Jinjiri Garba made the call yesterday at the end of the assessment tour to inspect the level of ongoing NEDC’ projects in the state.
Some of the projects visited include; Referral and Molecular Laboratory in Bauchi Specialist Hospital, Mega school, 500 housing unit construction ongoing in the state among others.
He acknowledged that the NEDC has displayed a high level of commitments in socio-economic and infrastructural development considering projects in various communities in the state.
Garba said, “The network has the mandate to monitor activities of state and non-state actors on behalf of the citizens. These interventions have projected that the commission has outlined activities that will change the narratives of the common man.
“We commend their foresight because the projects outlined and executed have cut across the various sectors of human endeavor.
“After our tour and other monitoring activities, the network realized that projects executed included; construction of Kirfi- Abba road, bridges along Alkaleri- Futuk and construction of the cattle market in Soro at work.
“Training of youths, women School teachers and distribution of food and relief items to the vulnerable groups to alleviate poverty in our communities.”
“It is with this that we are calling on the Federal Government to increase their budgetary allocation for the commission to do more.”
The Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organization also called on the commission to hasten completion of the 500 housing projects to relieve citizens of the financial burden of rented apartments.
Jinjiri, however, said there is a need for synergy between NEDC and CSO and community structure for sustainable development.
Garba further urged the Commission to intensify media engagement that would showcase activities and create awareness on activities across the state.