The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) at its 11th meeting in Damaturu, Yobe State, on Thursday, May 1, 2025, pushed for regional security and socio-economic integration in the sub-region.
The meeting, attended by the governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, with the deputy governor of Bauchi State representing his principal, emphasized the need for more integration in addressing the pressing challenges facing the North-East.
In a communique issued at the end of the session, the forum praised the federal government’s ongoing efforts to improve national security and pledged full collaboration in tackling emerging threats.
However, the governors expressed concern over the resurgence of insurgent activities and urged the military, security agencies, and community leaders to re-evaluate their strategies in combating terrorism.
The forum stressed the importance of adopting a holistic approach to security, highlighting that military action alone is insufficient.
It called for a deeper investment in vocational and technical education, poverty reduction, improved road infrastructure, and youth empowerment to address the root causes of instability.
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Recognizing the poor road network as a contributing factor to insecurity, the governors appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently revive abandoned infrastructure projects critical to development and regional connectivity.
The forum also reaffirmed its commitment to economic diversification through agricultural development, climate change mitigation, skills acquisition, and industrialization, aimed at providing employment for vulnerable youth and deterring insurgent recruitment.
Furthermore, the NEGF acknowledged the efforts of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), but urged the agency to strengthen engagement with state governments and focus on delivering timely, impactful projects in key sectors like transportation, education, and healthcare.
In a move to support legal education in the region, the governors pledged support for the expansion of the Nigerian Law School’s, Yola campus, including additional hostels, water supply, and other essential facilities.
The forum also agreed to partner with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), by providing office spaces, promoting school enrollment, and enhancing vocational education for disadvantaged children.
The next NEGF meeting is scheduled to take place from July 27 to 29, 2025, in Jalingo, Taraba State.
