The 8th meeting of the Northeast Governors’ Forum (NEGF) took place in Maiduguri, Borno State, and brought together the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe, with the Governors of Gombe and Taraba represented by their Deputy Governors.
In a communique issued at the conclusion of this meeting, held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, and signed by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, who serves as the Chairman of NEGF, the forum expressed its satisfaction with the strengthening cooperation, collaboration, and amicable relations among the six States in the region. It reaffirmed its commitment to establishing common ground and pursuing collective endeavors for the betterment of the Northeast.
Following extensive discussions, the forum expressed gratitude to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima for his participation in the opening ceremony of the 8th NEGF meeting and extended appreciation to the Government and People of Borno State for hosting the event. While acknowledging some progress against insurgency, the forum noted a new challenge emerging in the form of growing banditry, particularly affecting Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba, previously unaffected areas. It urgently called upon the Federal Government to intervene in addressing this escalating issue.
The forum also expressed concern about some traditional leaders and local authorities allegedly colluding with bandits, providing them refuge and support for criminal activities. To tackle this issue, the forum unanimously resolved to take decisive action against any traditional ruler or community leader found harboring or collaborating with bandits.
Furthermore, the proliferation of mining activities, both legal and illegal, raised concerns, with a direct link to insecurity and the misuse of mining leases. The forum called upon respective governments to enforce compliance with local consent provisions in Nigeria’s Mining Policy and emphasized the importance of adhering to the Land Use Act.
Climate change and environmental degradation were identified as significant challenges affecting the region, particularly flooding, property damage, and loss of livelihoods. This was exacerbated by river silting and deforestation due to extensive charcoal production. The forum called for Federal Government intervention in river desilting and strict regulation by local authorities to prevent compromises on deforestation approvals. It also pledged support for global initiatives such as Carbon Credit, the Great Green Wall, and other efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.
Neglect of road and railway infrastructure, especially along the economic corridors linking the Northeast to the rest of the country, was a matter of deep concern. The Enugu-Maiduguri route, both by road and railway, was in a state of disrepair and destruction. The forum urged the Federal Government to address this situation and consider reconstructing these essential infrastructure elements along the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor, vital for regional trade, peace-building, and national unity.
In pursuit of educational advancement, the forum agreed that all member States should adopt the Education Law of 2022 as recommended by the Northeast Education Council, previously established by the forum.
The forum also charged the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) to take a more proactive approach to address development issues in the region, with a focus on short, medium, and long-term sustainable development needs.
The forum resolved to promote subregional commerce among member States and announced plans to revive the Northeast Trade Fair, scheduled for January 2024 in Bauchi. Additionally, the 9th NEGF meeting is set to take place in Yola, Adamawa State, from Friday, November 3rd, to Saturd
