By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The North-East Governors’ ForumThe North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has concluded its 12th meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, with critical resolutions on security, food security, flood preparedness, and energy development, signaling fresh urgency in tackling the region’s most pressing challenges.
Chaired by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, the Forum—which brings together governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States—issued a communique reaffirming their joint commitment to strengthening cooperation and pushing for stronger federal and international support.
On security and humanitarian concerns, the governors applauded progress against insurgency but warned of lingering humanitarian crises and infrastructure gaps. They called for sustained interventions to consolidate peace and stability.
Amid forecasts of heavy flooding, the Forum urged proactive measures, including sensitization of communities on flood plains, and appealed for urgent federal assistance through the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to rebuild critical bridges and roads.
The governors also sounded the alarm on a possible food crisis, citing the soaring cost of agricultural inputs. They called for increased subsidies for farmers and greater investment in dry-season farming as immediate safeguards.
To boost trade and economic integration, the Forum announced the North-East Trade Fair scheduled for December 2025 in Maiduguri, in partnership with the North East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NECCIMA).
On the energy front, the governors directed the Committee on Power and Energy to draft a comprehensive masterplan to fight energy poverty, with solar energy as a key focus.
They further pledged support for the University of Maiduguri as it marks its golden jubilee and prepares to relaunch its Endowment Fund in November 2025.
The next Forum meeting is slated for December 12–14, 2025, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
