Youth Want NEDC Managing Director’s Tenure Extended – Give Compelling Reasons  

By Abdulkareem Haruna

The youth in Nigeria’s Northeast region have called for an extension of the tenure of Mohammed Goni Alkali, the Managing Director of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC). 

The youth under the aegis of Northeast Youth Discussion Circle made the call on Thursday, Apr. 27, at a press conference in Maiduguri, the political headquarters of Northeast Nigeria. 

“Muhammad G. Alkali is a true leader whose ambition has been to deliver the mandate that is in line with the vision and mission of the North East Development Commission NEDC,” the group’s leader, Mohammed Sani Hassan, said

Alkali, who has been in office since 2019, has been credited with spearheading efforts to revitalize the region, which humanitarian and developmental challenges have beset.

According to the “Under Alkali’s leadership, the NEDC has completed numerous projects to improve the region’s infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals, and water supply systems.” 

In addition, Alkali has launched several programs to provide skills training and employment opportunities for young people in the region. 

According to the youth group, these programs have helped to reduce youth unemployment, a critical factor in the region’s social and economic instability.

Given these achievements, the youth in the Northeast region are calling for an extension of Alkali’s tenure. They believe that his continued leadership of the NEDC will help to consolidate the gains made so far in addressing the region’s challenges and pave the way for sustained development in the area.

“To this, therefore, we, the North East Youths Discussion Cycle, are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to, based on track records and achievements of the MD/CEO, please extend his tenure for another four years on behalf of the North East Youths.”

Though the decision to extend Alkali’s tenure ultimately lies with the federal government, which established the NEDC, the government must carefully consider why the youth are calling for an extension and weigh these against the need for perfunctory end-of-tenure rotation or change in leadership. 

The youth’s call for an extension of Alkali’s tenure has been welcomed by many in the region, who see him as a champion of their interests. They believe his commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the NEDC’s finances has earned him the trust and respect of the region’s people.

He has also overseen initiatives to promote peace and reconciliation among different ethnic and religious groups in the region, they said.