Governors in the South-East of Nigeria have announced plans to undertake the construction of 430 kilometres of road across the five states for a more effective economic integration

The announcement formed part of the decisions reached by the South-East Governors’ Forum during their meeting which was held at the Enugu State Government House on Sunday.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting which lasted for over four hours and read by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State said the construction of the ring road was part of the strategies aimed at developing the South-East region.

“The South- East Governors’ Forum at its meeting discussed extensively on the possible strategies towards economic development of the South-East and at the end of the meeting resolved as follows:

“To undertake the construction of ring road covering a total area of 430 kms, that would connect all the states of the South East, to promote economic development of the South East states and for ease of transportation system in the region.

“Took presentation for Gas pipelines in the South East and advised the consultants to follow up on details of implementation especially as it relates to right of way.

“We commended the presentation on Aba Independent Power Project by Prof. Barth Nnaji and asked him to liaise with the secretariat for further implementation with the Presidency,” the communiqué read in part.

The Forum chairman further disclosed that the governors also received presentations on several other issues particularly from the National Addressing System of Nigeria and the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) on the assessment of MDAs for effective performance.

He added that the Forum directed that the chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Councils in the five states be invited for an amicable resolution of their crises and expressed deep appreciation to the people of the region for working together in giving Chief Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice President of the Federation a befitting funeral.

Apart from the Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, all the other governors of states in the region were in attendance. Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha was however represented by his Deputy, Eze Madumere.