The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to collaborate with the six North-East governors to create jobs, develop agriculture, and explore the region's natural resources. This partnership aims to strengthen the region's economy, provide opportunities for youths, and consolidate peace and development efforts. KACRAN's National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, signed the statement, emphasizing the need for this collaboration.
KACRAN commended NEDC for its significant interventions in the region, particularly in reconstructing schools, houses, and public infrastructure destroyed by insurgency. The association also acknowledged benefiting from NEDC's livestock-related programs, including potable water for pastoral communities, animal feeds, and palliatives for internally displaced persons. However, KACRAN urged NEDC to expand its focus from reconstruction to long-term economic development.
Massive job creation is a major priority for the proposed partnership, as millions of people, including university graduates, are in need of employment opportunities in the region. Providing jobs and sustainable livelihoods would reduce vulnerability to recruitment into criminal activities and enable residents to contribute to rebuilding the region. KACRAN emphasized that this initiative would have a positive impact on the region's economy and security.
On agriculture, KACRAN called for greater investment in arable farming, livestock, and fisheries to strengthen food security, increase agricultural exports, and reduce dependence on imported food products. The association proposed that NEDC provide technical expertise and financial support, while state governments provide land and security for large-scale agricultural and livestock projects. This collaboration would help harness the region's agricultural potential.
KACRAN also urged NEDC and the North-East governors to intensify the exploration and processing of the region's natural resources, which could generate employment, stimulate industrial development, and strengthen Nigeria's economic base. The North-East is endowed with substantial natural resources and human capital, which, if properly harnessed, could contribute significantly to national development.
The association further urged NEDC to serve as a model for other regional development commissions, particularly as development commissions have been established in other geopolitical zones. KACRAN said such collaboration could support broader regional economic development and contribute to addressing insecurity through the creation of sustainable livelihoods. This would have a positive impact on the region's economy and security.
KACRAN commended NEDC for its reported plan to procure 10,000 buses to provide affordable transportation services across the North-East. The association praised the NEDC management, led by its Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali, as well as other directors and staff for their contributions to the region's development. This initiative is expected to improve transportation services and enhance economic activity in the region.
Key points
- KACRAN urges NEDC and North-East governors to partner on job creation, agriculture, and exploration of natural resources.
- The partnership aims to strengthen the region's economy, provide opportunities for youths, and consolidate peace and development efforts.
- KACRAN commended NEDC for its significant interventions in the region and urged it to expand its focus from reconstruction to long-term economic development.
