FG to fast track completion of power projects in North East

ABUJA – The Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Mohammed Wakil, on Thursday, said the Federal Government would fast track
the development of power projects in the North Eastern part of the country.

Wakil made the disclosure in Abuja when a delegation from the Economic Summit Group paid him a courtesy visit.

The minister,  who decried the insurgency challenge in the North East, however, insisted that it would not deter government from completing vital
power projects in the region.

He said that completing key projects such as the Mambila and Kashimbila hydro dams in Taraba would help to create jobs for youths in the area
and lead to the socio economic emancipation of the area.

The minister said that the seven-billion-dollar Mambila hydro power project, when completed, would generate about 3,050 mega watts
to the national grid.

Wakil said other transmission line projects were on course to evacuate power and enhance electricity supply to Borno and Yobe states.

He then urged the delegation to support the government in building a virile and prosperous Nigeria.

“I want to urge you to draw-up a comprehensive recovery agenda like a Marshal Plan that will provide workable solutions to issues that have been thrown up, especially those that will help to avert impending food crisis in the area,” he said.

He said the Federal Government had set up a special committee to work out modalities toward cushioning the effects of the insurgency on food supply in the area.

Earlier, Mr Mohammed Ahmed, the leader of the delegation and former Director-General of PENCOM, said the group was ready to support the
Federal Government in its development programmes.

He said that the group would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure peace, stability and socio-economic development in the
country. (NAN)