Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The Northeast Governors Forum NEGF has expressed profound concern over the severe economic hardship and escalating insecurity affecting citizens across the six states of the region. The Forum made this known during its 12th meeting held in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, where governors reiterated their commitment to joint action in addressing pressing regional challenges.
Under the leadership of its Chairman and Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Forum commended the growing spirit of cooperation among member states and emphasized the importance of a unified approach in tackling issues affecting the subregion.
While acknowledging the gains made in counter insurgency operations, the Forum raised serious concerns over the lingering humanitarian crisis and widespread infrastructural deficits caused by years of conflict. The governors pledged to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and the Federal Government to restore peace and facilitate the safe return and resettlement of displaced persons.
In response to early warnings from meteorological agency, the Forum called for the implementation of proactive flood mitigation measures. These include public sensitization campaigns for communities in flood prone areas and the urgent rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure.
The Forum also appealed to the Federal Government and the Northeast Development Commission NEDC for technical and financial support in addressing environmental threats.
Alarmed by the soaring cost of farm inputs and threats to food production, the Forum emphasized the need for increased government subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation equipment. It also resolved to promote dry season farming initiatives and support smallholder farmers to prevent a looming food crisis in the region.
In a bid to stimulate economic recovery, the Forum announced plans to host the Northeast Trade Fair in December 2025 in Maiduguri, Borno State. The event, organized in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture NACCIMA, aims to boost intra regional trade, attract investment, and create opportunities for local businesses.
Building on previous commitments to improve energy access, the Forum directed its Power and Energy Committee to develop a comprehensive Subregional Power Masterplan. The plan will focus on harnessing renewable energy sources and improving transmission infrastructure to reduce energy poverty and support industrial growth.
Analyst saying that the resolutions from the 12th NEGF meeting are necessary but insufficient step forward, identifying the region most critical challenges but resolutions lack specific, measurable, and funded action plans, relying heavily on appeals to the federal government.
Proposed Power Masterplan and Trade Fair represent innovative, forward thinking strategies that could redefine the region’s economy. The continued gap between political communiqués and tangible outcomes on the ground risks eroding public trust and allowing the worsening economic hardship to undermine security gains.
The Forum announced that its 13th meeting will hold from December 12–14, 2025, in Maiduguri, Borno State, where further strategies for regional development and stability will be discussed.