NEDC Seeks Global Partners To Bring North East Development Master Plan To Life

N’Djamena, Chad: The North East Development Commission (NEDC) is seeking international support to implement its ambitious North East Stabilization and Development Master Plan, a framework designed to accelerate the region’s recovery from years of conflict and humanitarian crises.

The Commission presented the plan to key global development partners at the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad.

The Master Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development in the six northeastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.

It focuses on addressing the region’s immediate needs, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for long-term economic and social development.

NEDC Managing Director and CEO Mohammed Alkali highlighted the strong alignment between the Commission’s strategy and the LCBC’s efforts to revitalise the Lake Chad Basin.

He emphasised the crucial role of the LCBC as a strategic partner, given the significant impact of its activities on the northeastern states.

“The LCBC’s strategies for recovering the Lake Chad basin are similar to those of the NEDC in the recovery of the Northeast region as contained in the Master Plan,” Alkali stated.

LCBC Executive Secretary Amb. Mamman Nuhu echoed the sentiment, recognising the vast potential for collaboration between the two organisations.

“We certainly have a lot to do together,” he said. “We will come up with recommendations on how we can work together and form stronger partnerships.”

Nuhu emphasized the flexibility and adaptability of the regional stabilization strategy, highlighting its alignment with the nine pillars and 40 strategic objectives outlined in the NEDC’s Master Plan.

“The only limitation we have is funding,” he stated. “Otherwise, it is an excellent plan and is adaptive.”

The NEDC delegation, which also included the Executive Director of Admin & Finance Dr. Abubakar Garba Iliya, Prof. Umar Bobboi, National Coordinator MCRP, and other key officials, will remain in N’Djamena to participate in the 3rd Annual International Forum on the Development of the Lake Chad Basin.

The forum, themed “Enhancing Local Governance and Social Cohesion for Socio-Economic Development and Food Security in Changing the Lake Chad Region,” will focus on collaborative approaches to address the region’s complex challenges.

This partnership between the NEDC and the LCBC represents a significant step towards bringing the North East Development Master Plan to fruition.

With the support of international development partners, the region stands a chance to achieve sustainable recovery and build a more resilient future.