In recognition of his transformative leadership, Mohammed Goni Alkali, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Nigeria’s North East Development Commission (NEDC), received the African Leadership Administrative Excellence Award at the 14th African Leadership Persons of the Year 2024 Awards.
This prestigious honour underscores Mr. Alkali’s dedication to revitalizing Nigeria’s North East, a region profoundly impacted by insurgency and underdevelopment. It also highlights the NEDC’s critical role in reconstruction and sustainable development.
Mr. Alkali’s career is marked by excellence and service. He earned a first-class honours degree in Accounting from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics, University of London. His professional training includes executive programmes at Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, and the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.
Before leading the NEDC, Mr. Alkali served as the Executive Director of Operations at the Bank of Industry (BoI). His extensive background in banking and development finance provided a strong foundation for his role in steering the NEDC towards its mission of rebuilding and revitalizing the North East.
Established in 2017, the NEDC was created to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria’s North East, including the aftermath of insurgency and infrastructural decay. The commission focuses on resettlement and rehabilitation, infrastructure reconstruction, poverty alleviation, education, environmental restoration, and healthcare improvement.
Under Mr. Alkali’s leadership, the NEDC has made significant progress in several key areas:
Education
Recognizing education as a pillar of sustainable development, the NEDC has launched transformative initiatives:
- Mega Basic Schools Construction: Eight Mega Basic Schools were built, each featuring 16 classrooms, six laboratories, and hostels for 480 students, significantly improving access to quality education.
- Classroom Rehabilitation in Yobe State: Over 200 classroom blocks were constructed across 20 schools, enhancing learning conditions.
- Education Endowment Fund: A ₦6 billion Education Endowment Fund was launched to strengthen the educational sector. It has supported over 20,000 individuals through scholarships, infrastructure development, and learning materials.
Infrastructure Development
Rebuilding infrastructure is crucial for economic recovery and social cohesion. The NEDC’s efforts include:
- Road Rehabilitation: 178 kilometers of roads and three bridges were reconstructed across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, improving connectivity and commerce.
- Public Buildings Restoration: More than 105,000 people, nearly half of them women, have benefited from rehabilitated roads, hospitals, schools, and water sanitation facilities.
- Housing Projects: The commission has rebuilt housing units to provide safe and dignified shelter for displaced families.
Healthcare Initiatives
The NEDC has addressed critical healthcare needs by:
- Conducting over 1,000 minor and cataract surgeries, restoring sight and improving lives.
- Constructing and rehabilitating primary healthcare centres to ensure wider access to essential medical services.
Agricultural Support
Agriculture remains a vital sector in the region’s economy. To support farmers, the NEDC has distributed agricultural machinery, equipment, and fertilizers. These efforts boost food production and economic stability.
Humanitarian Assistance
To alleviate the humanitarian crisis, the NEDC has distributed essential supplies, including:
- Food items such as rice, spaghetti, and vegetable oil.
- Non-food items like clothing, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, blankets, and mattresses.
Strategic Planning: The North-East Stabilization and Development Master Plan (NESDMP)
To ensure a structured and effective approach to rebuilding, the NEDC developed the North-East Stabilization and Development Master Plan (NESDMP). This comprehensive strategy outlines the Institutional Enterprise Strategy, regional vision, and implementation framework for long-term stability and development.
Collaborations and Recognitions
The NEDC’s achievements have garnered national and international recognition:
- United Nations Support: The UN and its partners have acknowledged the commission’s role in recovery and peacebuilding, particularly in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
- Civil Society Endorsements: Groups such as the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) have commended the NEDC’s leadership for its impact on regional development.
Recognition and Impact
The African Leadership Administrative Excellence Award affirms Mr. Alkali’s strategic vision and tireless efforts in driving transformational initiatives. His leadership has restored hope and empowered communities affected by conflict. This recognition places him among Africa’s top change-makers and further validates the NEDC’s role as a catalyst for positive change.
Mohammed Goni Alkali’s leadership is a model of resilience, vision, and impactful governance. Through initiatives in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and humanitarian assistance, the NEDC has made remarkable progress under his guidance. The African Leadership Administrative Excellence Award is a well-earned testament to these efforts, highlighting a governance model that delivers tangible results and inspires hope for a brighter future.
