During President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Enugu, Southeast leaders called for the dismantling of roadblocks and checkpoints in the region, citing their negative impact on logistics costs and inflation.
The appeal was made at a town hall meeting where several projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah were also commissioned.
Onyemuche Nnamani, a prominent figure at the meeting, criticized the ongoing roadblocks, emphasizing that modern security systems, including Enugu’s command center, CCTV, and patrol cameras, provide better alternatives for ensuring safety.
He argued that these checkpoints only served to inflate logistics costs, discourage investments, and put security personnel at risk.
Chris Ngu, another regional leader, brought attention to the untapped potential of the Anambra Basin, which holds vast oil and gas reserves.
He suggested that developing the region’s resources could boost industrial growth and energy production, benefiting not just the Southeast but the entire nation.
Prof. Chinedu Nebo, former Minister of Power, also supported calls for reviving the rail system in Enugu and its neighboring states to enhance regional development and connectivity.
President Tinubu responded positively to the suggestions, promising to consider the concerns raised and reaffirming his commitment to national development, including the completion of the Eastern Rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
