North-East Governors Reaffirm Unity, Tackle Security, Food, and Flood Challenges at 12th Forum in Jalingo

The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the Governors of Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, convened its 12th meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, where it renewed its commitment to collective action on key security, economic, and social challenges facing the subregion.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the forum applauded the growing cooperation among member states and vowed to strengthen collaboration in tackling insecurity, humanitarian crises, food shortages, and infrastructure deficits.

Key Resolutions from the Forum

1. Security and Humanitarian Concerns
   The governors acknowledged significant progress in the fight against insurgency but expressed concern that the region still faces overwhelming humanitarian needs and infrastructural challenges.

2. Flood and Climate Risk Preparedness
   With forecasts predicting major flood disasters, the forum urged proactive measures, including sensitization of communities in flood-prone areas. It appealed to the Federal Government and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) for urgent support in rebuilding damaged infrastructure, particularly bridges.

3. Agriculture and Food Security
   The governors decried the rising cost of agricultural inputs, warning of reduced farm yields and a potential food crisis. They called for increased subsidies to farmers and strategic planning for large-scale dry season farming.

4. Regional Economic Integration
   The forum announced plans to hold the North-East Trade Fair in Maiduguri, Borno State, in partnership with NECCIMA, in December 2025, as part of efforts to boost commerce and investment in the subregion.

5. Energy and Power Development
   Reaffirming its commitment to ending “energy poverty,” the forum tasked its Committee on Power and Energy to develop an integrated regional Power Masterplan, with solar energy identified as a quick-win solution.

6. Education and Innovation
   The governors congratulated the University of Maiduguri on its upcoming Golden Jubilee and pledged support for the 50th anniversary celebration and the relaunch of the University’s Endowment Fund in November 2025.

7. Next Forum Meeting
   The forum announced that its 13th meeting will take place in Maiduguri from December 12 to 14, 2025.

In closing, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, reaffirmed the governors’ resolve to drive sustainable growth through security stabilization, agricultural transformation, energy development, and regional integration.