North-East Governors Recommit to Regional Cooperation, Security and Development
The North-East Governors’ Forum has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation among the six states of the region, with particular focus on security, economic integration, infrastructure, energy, education, transportation and youth development.
The commitment was contained in a communiqué issued after the Forum’s meeting, chaired by Borno State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. Governors from Borno, Adamawa and Gombe attended the meeting, while Bauchi and Yobe were represented by their deputy governors. The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, was also present.
The governors noted that since the Forum was inaugurated in Gombe in March 2020, it had helped strengthen unity among the states and enabled the region to speak with a stronger collective voice on issues affecting its development.
Infrastructure and Economic Development
The Forum commended the Federal Government for renewed attention to major infrastructure projects in the region, including the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri railway corridor and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway.
It also welcomed progress on frontier oil exploration at Kolmani, while calling for the resumption of oil exploration activities in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State, where previous exploration efforts had stalled.
Electricity and Renewable Energy
On power supply, the governors said the region was making progress with its energy agenda. They noted that the Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant is now supplying electricity to the national grid.
The Forum encouraged member states to take advantage of Nigeria’s new electricity law and the region’s abundant sunlight to develop solar power projects and mini-grids, particularly in communities that remain underserved by the national electricity network.
The governors also renewed their call for the Federal Government to accelerate work on the Mambila Hydropower Project, following the resolution of legal challenges surrounding the project.
Education and Human Capital Development
The governors acknowledged the contributions of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and called for increased investment in education.
They urged the relevant authorities to release outstanding scholarship awards to indigent students and intensify efforts to reduce the number of children who are out of school.
The Forum also called for coordinated support for Tsangaya education, recognising the importance of improving access to education for children within the traditional Islamic education system.
Transportation
To reduce transportation and logistics costs, the governors resolved to work with Green Ville Energy to establish more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the region.
They also welcomed Federal Government support through the NEDC for the provision of 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis, which are expected to be launched in October.
In addition, the Forum resolved to establish a North-East regional air shuttle, which is expected to make movement of people and goods within the region faster and more efficient.
Security
On security, the governors recognised the progress made in the fight against insurgency and commended the Armed Forces, security agencies and residents of the region for their courage, sacrifice and resilience.
They stressed that security efforts must go beyond military operations by addressing the socio-economic conditions that can make young people vulnerable to recruitment, exploitation and manipulation by criminal and extremist groups.
Youth Empowerment
The Forum also placed strong emphasis on youth development, noting that the North-East has one of the youngest populations in Nigeria.
The governors pledged to expand opportunities in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, technology and employment. They said equipping young people with relevant skills and creating sustainable economic opportunities would help them become productive contributors to the region’s development while reducing their vulnerability to criminal activities.
The governors are expected to hold their next meeting on December 18 and 19, 2026, in Gombe State.