Northeast Governors Call for Urgent Action on Security, Environment, Infrastructure
The Northeast Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has sounded an alarm over the escalating security situation in the region, particularly the surge in banditry, and has called for urgent Federal Government intervention.
This urgent call to action was made during the NEGF’s 8th meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday. The Forum, consisting of Governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, and Deputy Governors representing Gombe and Taraba, convened to address a wide range of issues affecting the region, issuing a comprehensive communique outlining their concerns and resolutions.
According to the communique signed by the Chairman of the forum, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, while acknowledging the progress made against insurgency, the NEGF expressed deep concern about the emergence of a new threat in the form of growing banditry.
The Governors noted that the concerted efforts of the Military to flush out bandits from other parts of the country have prompted these criminals to shift their operations towards the Northeast, particularly in Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States, previously untouched by such issues.
To address this alarming trend, the Forum urgently called on the Federal Government to intervene and bolster security measures in the region.
Additionally, the NEGF expressed awareness that some traditional rulers and local authorities have been colluding with bandits, providing them shelter and cover to carry out their criminal activities. In response, the Forum unanimously resolved to take decisive action against any traditional ruler or community leader found to be aiding or abetting bandits.
Beyond security concerns, the NEGF raised other critical issues plaguing the region, including the proliferation of mining, climate change, environmental degradation, infrastructure neglect, and the need to prioritize education and development.
The Governors noted the increasing problem of both legal and illegal mining activities, emphasizing the link between mining and insecurity, particularly the abuse of mining leases. The Forum called for strict enforcement of compliance with Nigeria’s Mining Policy and reiterated the need for adherence to the provisions of the Land Use Act.
Climate change and environmental degradation were also highlighted as major challenges affecting the region, with flooding causing property destruction and livelihood loss. The NEGF called for Federal Government intervention in river desilting and the implementation of strict regulations against deforestation.
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In response to these environmental concerns, the Forum pledged to participate in global initiatives such as Carbon Credits and the Great Green Wall to mitigate the devastating impact of climate change.
Addressing the state of infrastructure, the NEGF expressed dismay over the neglect of road and railway networks, particularly the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor. This vital route for regional trade and integration has fallen into disrepair, hampering economic growth and national unity. The Governors called on the Federal Government to urgently address the situation and consider reconstruction.
The NEGF also emphasized the need to domesticate the Education Law 2022 across all states in the region, as recommended by the Northeast Education Council.
Furthermore, the Forum charged the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) to take a more proactive stance on development in the subregion, prioritizing short-, medium-, and long-term initiatives to meet the sustainable development needs of the people.
In a bid to promote subregional commerce, the NEGF announced plans to revive the Northeast Trade Fair, scheduled to be held in Bauchi in January 2024.
The 9th meeting of the Northeast Governors’ Forum is slated to take place in Yola, Adamawa State, between Friday, November 3rd, and Saturday, November 4th, 2023.
The NEGF appreciated the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima for gracing the opening ceremony of the 8th meeting of the NEGF and the Government and People of Borno State for hosting the event.
