North-East Governors Recommit to Regional Cooperation, Security and Development
The six governors of Nigeria’s North-East states have reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation, security, peaceful coexistence and coordinated development as they seek collective solutions to challenges confronting the sub-region.
The commitment was made during the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum, held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on October 2–3, 2026, and hosted by Borno State Governor and Forum Chairman, Babagana Zulum. The meeting brought together the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.
Discussions focused on strengthening good governance, improving security, promoting peaceful coexistence and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of residents across the region. The governors also reviewed areas where joint action could accelerate infrastructure, energy, transportation and economic development.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said the Forum had recorded progress since its establishment, citing collaborative efforts on strategic roads, regional power and connectivity, trade development and plans for a regional airline. He stressed, however, that the next phase should focus on translating policy decisions into measurable results for citizens.
Security remained a major priority, with the governors recognising that challenges such as insurgency, banditry, communal clashes and cross-border crime require coordinated responses rather than isolated state-level interventions. They also emphasised the need to address underlying issues including poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and drug abuse.
On development, the Forum highlighted regional infrastructure and energy projects, improved transportation links, trade promotion and human-capital development. The governors also backed stronger mechanisms for monitoring commitments and ensuring that agreed projects and policies produce tangible outcomes.
The meeting underscored the governors’ position that sustained cooperation among the six states is essential to consolidating security gains, supporting economic recovery and improving living conditions across the North-East.