The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has raised serious concerns about what it describes as "shocking under-representation of capital allocations for infrastructure" in Northern Nigeria, particularly the North East region.
In a statement released by NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the forum claimed that federal allocations have consistently favored Southern Nigeria while neglecting the development needs of the North.
"This lack of inclusion is not a mistake of policy. It is a real danger to national unity. If the capital infrastructure debt in the North East isn't addressed, it will only increase the extra level of inequality and risk of conflict," the statement read.
Demands for Equitable Distribution
The NEF has outlined several corrective measures it believes should be implemented immediately. These include the incorporation of critical road and railway projects for the North East in the national development agenda.
Additionally, the forum is demanding a public explanation from the Federal Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) regarding the regional disparities in infrastructure funding.
The NEF has also called for a firm commitment from Northern lawmakers, governors, and ministers to oppose any federal budget or framework that does not reflect balanced and inclusive development across all regions of the country.
According to the forum, equitable investment is crucial not only for regional fairness but also for preserving national cohesion and stability in Nigeria.
This is not the first time the NEF has voiced concerns about alleged marginalization of the North in federal resource allocation, highlighting ongoing tensions in Nigeria's regional politics.
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