By Danhassan Abubakar
The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, held its 12th meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, to deliberate on pressing regional challenges and strengthen inter-state cooperation.
Chaired by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, the Forum commended the growing collaboration among member states and reaffirmed its commitment to tackling shared concerns in security, humanitarian response, infrastructure, and economic integration.
In a communiqué signed by Governor Zulum, who also serves as NEGF Chairman, the Forum outlined key resolutions, including:
Security and Humanitarian Response: While acknowledging progress in counter-insurgency operations, the Forum expressed concern over lingering humanitarian needs and infrastructural gaps across the subregion.
Climate Risk and Flood Preparedness: Responding to forecasts from credible agencies, the Forum urged proactive flood mitigation, including sensitization of floodplain communities and urgent reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. It appealed to the Federal Government and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for support.
Agriculture and Food Security: Alarmed by the escalating cost of agricultural inputs, the Forum called for increased subsidies and strategic planning for dry-season farming to avert a looming food crisis.
Regional Trade Promotion: The Forum announced the North-East Trade Fair, scheduled for December 2025 in Maiduguri, Borno State, in collaboration with the North-East Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NECCIMA), to boost commerce and investment in the region.
Energy and Infrastructure Development: Building on earlier commitments to renewable energy, the Forum mandated its Power and Energy Committee to develop a comprehensive Subregional Power Masterplan to tackle energy poverty.
Education and Legacy Institutions: The Forum congratulated the University of Maiduguri on its 50th anniversary and pledged support for the commemoration and the relaunch of its Endowment Fund in November 2025.
The North-East Governors’ Forum reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for regional dialogue, policy coordination, and collective action to advance the subregion’s development.