By: Bayero Ade
Leaders from the Southeast have urged President Bola Tinubu to dismantle roadblocks and checkpoints across the region, arguing that they hinder economic growth by increasing logistics costs and fueling inflation.
According to Politics Nigeria, the appeal was made on Saturday during a town hall meeting in Enugu as part of President Tinubu’s visit to commission projects executed by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
Onyemuche Nnamani, a prominent voice at the event, criticized the continued presence of roadblocks, stating that they are unnecessary given Enugu State’s modern security infrastructure, including a command and control center, CCTV networks, and patrol car cameras. He emphasized that the roadblocks inflate transportation costs, discourage investment, and expose security personnel to avoidable risks.
“These checkpoints are outdated and counterproductive. They hurt businesses, drive up costs, and reduce confidence in the region’s security,” Nnamani said, calling on the federal government to adopt alternative measures to ensure safety while fostering economic growth.
Another speaker, Chris Ngu, highlighted the untapped potential of the Anambra Basin, which holds an estimated one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas reserves. He stressed that developing the basin could serve as a catalyst for industrialization, power generation, and broader economic benefits for the nation.
“The Anambra Basin is a goldmine waiting to be explored. Its development could transform the Southeast and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy and economic needs,” Ngu stated, urging the federal government to make the region’s oil and gas resources a priority.
Former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, added his voice to the discussion by advocating for the revival of rail transport in Enugu and neighboring states, emphasizing its role in boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
In response, President Tinubu pledged to consider the leaders’ demands, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to driving development and ensuring equitable progress across all regions of the country.
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