…….Forum backs regional air shuttle, CNG/LNG stations, electric vehicles; demands action on Mambila, stalled oil exploration.
FIC REPORT (GOMBE STATE) – Governors of the six North-East states have renewed their push for major infrastructure and economic projects across the subregion, calling for accelerated action on rail and road corridors, power generation, oil exploration, transportation and youth development.
The governors made the call on Saturday at the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held in Maiduguri, Borno State, where they reviewed the progress of regional cooperation since the Forum’s inaugural meeting in Gombe in March 2020.
The Forum, comprising the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states, said sustained collaboration among member states had strengthened its collective voice and contributed to tangible infrastructural development in the region.
At the meeting, the governors welcomed renewed Federal Government attention to the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri rail corridor and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway.
They, however, urged the Federal Government to revisit oil exploration activities that had commenced but were later stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Power takes centre stage
Electricity development also featured prominently as the Forum acknowledged efforts by member states to transform energy supply from individual state concerns into a regional agenda.
The governors noted that the Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant is now feeding the national grid, and urged states across the subregion to take advantage of the new electricity law and the region’s abundant sunshine to expand solar power and mini-grid solutions.
The Forum also renewed its call for action on the long-delayed Mambila Hydropower Plant, urging the Federal Government to utilise the recent resolution of the legal encumbrance through an arbitration ruling to expedite the project’s completion and take-off.
New transport initiatives
In a move aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving movement across the region, the governors resolved to partner with Green Ville Energy to establish more CNG and LNG stations in the North-East.
They also acknowledged Federal Government support through the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for the provision of 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis, which are expected to be launched in October.
The Forum further resolved to establish a North-East regional air shuttle, designed to facilitate faster movement of people and goods within and between the states.
Security gains, challenges remain
On security, the governors acknowledged what they described as appreciable progress in the fight against insurgency and commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their courage and sacrifice.
They also recognised the resilience of residents and the commitment of governments at all levels, while stressing that the subregion still faces serious humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.
The Forum therefore reaffirmed its commitment to supporting security agencies and strengthening inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, community engagement and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
It also stressed the importance of addressing socio-economic conditions that could expose young people to exploitation by criminal and extremist elements.
Youth, education and environment
The governors described the North-East’s youthful population as both an opportunity and a responsibility, pledging to promote quality education, vocational and entrepreneurial training, technology and meaningful employment opportunities.
The Forum also called for greater investment in education by the NEDC, including the release of long-awaited scholarship awards to indigent students and increased support for efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and strengthen Tsangaya education.
On environmental protection, the governors expressed concern over the scale of damage caused by deforestation and agreed to partner with the Institute of Forest Research to train forest experts in the region.
The meeting reaffirmed the governors’ commitment to speaking with one voice and pursuing common objectives on security, social development, economic integration and infrastructure across the North-East.
The next meeting of the Forum is scheduled for December 18–19, 2026, in Gombe, Gombe State.
The communiqué was signed by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, FNSE, Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Borno State.
Reported by:
Saeed Ahmed Bapph
FIC Gombe
