By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
In a bold stride toward sub-regional integration and economic transformation, the North East Governors Forum concluded its thirteenth meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, with a unified commitment to major infrastructure, energy, and transport development.
Reading the official communiqué, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State highlighted the unbroken solidarity among member states since the forum’s inception in March 2020. Represented by state governors, deputy governors, and senior officials from Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Taraba, the leadership reaffirmed its resolve to speak with one voice on key economic, security, and developmental priorities affecting the sub-region.
At the center of the developmental agenda is a series of groundbreaking transport and logistics solutions designed to ease movement and stimulate trade. The forum officially resolved to launch a dedicated North East regional airline shuttle aimed at speeding up inter-state travel and supply chains.
Complementing this air connectivity drive, the governors agreed to partner with Grenville Energy to establish compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas stations across the region. Additionally, the sub-region is set to roll out a massive green transit fleet in October, backed by the North East Development Commission, comprising ten thousand electric tricycles, ten electric buses, and three hundred electric taxis to significantly lower transportation costs for residents.
Energy expansion formed another critical pillar of the summit, as the governors transitioned from isolated state power projects toward a fully integrated regional energy agenda. Celebrating the integration of the Dadin Kowa Hydroelectric Power Plant into the national grid, the forum encouraged member states to capitalize on the new Electricity Law and abundant solar potential by expanding mini-grids and solar installations.
The leadership also commended federal efforts on the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail corridor and frontier oil exploration in Kolmani, while urging the Federal Government to resume halted exploration in Borno State and expedite the takeoff of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Plant following the resolution of legal disputes.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the forum emphasized heavy investments in human capital, environmental preservation, and security to secure long-term prosperity. Recognizing the region’s vast youth population, the governors pledged enhanced support for vocational training, digital skills, scholarship disbursements, and structured support for Tsangaya education to combat out-of-school challenges.
While commending the Armed Forces for notable gains against insurgency, the forum committed to bolstering intelligence sharing and community engagement to tackle underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities. To address environmental degradation, the forum also established a partnership with the Forestry Research to train local forestry experts, setting a comprehensive roadmap ahead of their next meeting scheduled for 18-19 December 2026 in Gombe State.
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