The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to, as a matter of necessity, increase the budgetary allocation of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to enable it to scale up project execution.

An increased budget will also allow for investment in human capital development, which is very essential for growth and development.

The call was made by the leadership of the Bauchi State Network of Civil Societies (BASNEC) at the end of a project assessment tour of NEDC project sites held in Bauchi State.

Chairman of BASNEC, John Jinjiri Garba, while speaking to journalists at the end of the tour, said that the activity was to ascertain the level of NEDC activities in the state.

He acknowledged that the Commission has displayed a high level of commitment to socio-economic and infrastructural development, considering projects either ongoing or completed in various communities.

According to him, “The Network has the mandate to monitor the 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.”

He added that “we commend their foresight because the projects outlined and executed have cut across the various sectors of human endeavour.”

“It is with this that we are calling on the Federal Government to increase their budgetary allocation for the commission to do more,” he added.

John Garba further said that “after our tour and other monitoring activities, the network realised that projects executed included the construction of the Kirfi-Gombe-Abba road, bridges along the Alkaleri-Futuk road, and the construction of the cattle markets at Soro.”

He also said that “the training of youths, women, and school teachers and the distribution of food and relief items to the vulnerable groups to alleviate poverty in our communities are commendable efforts.”

The Chairman called on the Commission to hasten the completion of the 500 housing projects to relieve citizens of the financial burden of renting apartments.

However, the network recommended a synergy between NEDC and CSOs and community structure for sustainable development.

John Garba further urged the Commission to intensify media engagement that would showcase activities and create awareness about activities across the state.