North-East Governors Renew United Front Against Insecurity, Underdevelopment
In a strong show of regional solidarity, the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) concluded its 11th meeting in Damaturu, Yobe State, with a renewed commitment to confronting insurgency, enhancing economic integration, and tackling the root causes of insecurity in the subregion.
Chaired by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the meeting brought together governors from Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, with the Bauchi State delegation led by the Deputy Governor. The forum emphasized regional unity in the face of rising threats and developmental challenges.
In a nine-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEGF praised the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster national security. However, it expressed deep concern over the resurgence of insurgent activities across the region and urged military and security agencies to rethink their counterinsurgency strategies. Community leaders were also called upon to play a more active role in restoring peace.
The governors stressed that defeating terrorism in the region goes beyond military might, urging a holistic approach that tackles poverty, unemployment, and lack of education—factors that continue to fuel insecurity.
“The subregion must invest in vocational and technical education, modernize road networks, and aggressively fight poverty if it must break the cycle of violence,” the communiqué read.
Poor infrastructure, especially road networks, was highlighted as a major contributor to insecurity. The forum appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the completion of abandoned road projects critical to the region’s development.
On economic development, the governors recommitted to promoting investment, improving agricultural productivity for food security, combating climate change, and advancing youth-focused industrialization programs.
The forum also called on the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) to deepen its engagement with state governments and remain steadfast in executing its mandate to rebuild the insurgency-affected subregion. It urged the Commission to accelerate delivery on existing projects and stay on schedule.
In support of legal education, the forum pledged backing for the expansion of the Nigerian Law School’s Yola Campus, promising additional facilities to boost admission and learning conditions.
Addressing the growing concern of out-of-school children, the governors resolved to partner with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education by setting up offices in each state and integrating vocational training into the formal education system.
The next NEGF meeting is scheduled to hold from July 27–29, 2025, in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Governor Zulum concluded the session with a call for unity and shared responsibility: “We must speak with one voice, act with one purpose, and rise together to build a secure and prosperous Northeast.”
Would you like this styled for publication in a print or online magazine format as well?
