By Ayodele Oni
Issues which range from environment, oil exploration, insecurity, electricity and transportation among others, topped discussion at the meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum which ended on Saturday.
The governors met in Maiduguri, Borno state capital from October 2 to 3 for the 13th regular meeting.
In a communique, the forum urged the Federal Government to resume oil exploration activities in Borno State, particularly in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas, where previous exploration efforts were suspended.
The two-day meeting, brought together governors and senior government officials from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
Reading the communique, the Forum’s Vice Chairman and Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, also commended President Bola Tinubu for renewed attention to oil exploration and major infrastructure projects across the region
The governors specifically praised the Federal Government for efforts to revive the Kolmani oil drilling project in Gombe State.
They also highlighted the Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri rail corridor and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri highway among major projects receiving renewed attention.
The Forum said regional cooperation remained one of its major achievements since its establishment in March 2020, noting that the collaboration had strengthened the region’s voice in seeking developmental projects.
On electricity, the governors commended member states for adopting a regional energy plan and highlighted the contribution of the Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant to the national electricity grid.
They encouraged states across the region to take advantage of Nigeria’s new electricity framework and the North-East’s solar energy potential to develop additional mini-grid projects.
The governors also called for the accelerated completion of the Mambila Hydropower Project following the resolution of legal issues surrounding the project through arbitration.
To reduce transportation costs and support economic activities, the Forum said it had partnered with Green Ville Energy to establish additional Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas stations across the region.
The governors also acknowledged the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission for providing 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis, which are expected to be launched in October.
They further announced plans to establish a regional air shuttle service aimed at improving the movement of people and goods across the six states.
On security, the Forum acknowledged the progress made by security agencies in the fight against insurgency and commended members of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices.
However, the governors noted that the region continued to face significant humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.
They pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation among the states while addressing economic and social conditions that could make young people vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.
The Forum also identified education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and technology-based employment as key areas requiring greater attention, particularly because of the region’s large youth population.
The governors called on the North East Development Commission to increase its investment in education, release outstanding scholarship awards for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, reduce the number of out-of-school children and support Tsangaya education.
On environmental protection, the Forum said it would collaborate with the Institute of Forest Research to train local forestry experts and tackle deforestation across the region.
The North-East Governors’ Forum announced that its next meeting would be held in Gombe State on December 18 and 19, 2026.
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