NEDC Starts Rehab of Adamawa Bridge After 48 Years
North East Development Commission Begins Rehabilitation of Numan Bridge
The North East Development Commission has initiated the rehabilitation of the Numan Bridge in Adamawa State. This project marks a significant step in addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges in the region, as the bridge was originally constructed 48 years ago.
Built during the military administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1978, the Numan Bridge has since become a critical link between the North and South of Nigeria. However, its deteriorating condition has raised concerns about safety for travelers. During a recent tour to inaugurate completed projects and inspect ongoing ones, the Managing Director of the NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, highlighted the urgency of the rehabilitation.
“It is our responsibility to provide infrastructure that has a direct bearing on the people of the North-East and improve the economic activities of the region,” Alkali stated. He emphasized the importance of the bridge, noting that it connects the North with the South, making it vital for both Nigerian citizens and neighboring countries like Cameroon.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges
Alkali also spoke about the commission’s broader efforts to address the damage caused by Boko Haram in the North-East. One of the key initiatives involves constructing model schools in each of the three senatorial districts across the states in the region. These schools will be fully furnished, including staff residences, while clinics will also be integrated into the facilities.
The goal of these projects is to reduce the number of out-of-school children and provide better educational opportunities in the area. Alkali commended the current administration for the timely release of funds, urging governors in the zone to manage the projects effectively for the benefit of their constituents.
Impact of the North East Development Commission
The creation of the North East Development Commission has played a crucial role in addressing both the humanitarian crisis and infrastructural development in the region. Alkali noted that many schools, hospitals, and public infrastructure were destroyed during the conflict. The commission has been instrumental in rebuilding bridges, hospitals, and providing clean water to different communities.
Additionally, the commission has created job opportunities for youths and provided operational vehicles to security agencies to support active policing in the region. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to restore stability and promote development in the North-East.
Historical Context of Road Conditions
The poor state of infrastructure in the North-East is not a new issue. In 2007, during the inception of President Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration, former Minister of Transportation, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, visited Adamawa State and expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of roads in the region.
During a courtesy call to the then Adamawa State Governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako (retd.), the former minister described the Yola–Gombe Road as one of the worst in the country. She warned that allowing the situation to persist would amount to a failure of leadership.
Alison-Madueke promised to use her office to improve the road conditions. Despite these commitments, the Numan Bridge, which links Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno states and the entire North-West and southern region, remained in poor condition for decades.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Prospects
The recent rehabilitation of the Numan Bridge is a positive development, signaling a renewed focus on infrastructure in the North-East. As the region continues to recover from years of conflict and neglect, such projects are essential for fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
With continued investment and effective management, the North East Development Commission aims to ensure that the region receives the attention and resources it deserves. The rehabilitation of the Numan Bridge is just one example of the commission’s commitment to restoring and enhancing infrastructure in the North-East.
