North-East Governors Meet in Damaturu, Pledge United Front Against Insecurity and Underdevelopment

North-East Governors Meet in Damaturu, Pledge United Front Against Insecurity and Underdevelopment

The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has once again pledged collective action to confront insecurity and drive sustainable development across the region. This resolution came during the Forum’s 11th meeting, held on May 1, 2025, in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State.

Chaired by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the session brought together governors from Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, as well as the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, who represented the governor.

In a joint communiqué released after the meeting, the governors voiced strong support for the Federal Government’s ongoing security efforts while urging a renewed and robust approach to counter the recent surge in insurgent activities. They stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders in addressing the persistent threats.

Recognizing that the roots of insecurity run deeper than military might can reach, the Forum emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies that address poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment—factors that continue to fuel regional instability.

The governors also raised concerns about the deteriorating state of critical infrastructure, especially roads, and decried the abandonment of federal projects in the region. They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to prioritize the rehabilitation of these key assets to spur regional connectivity and growth.

On economic development, the Forum restated its commitment to diversifying the North-East’s economy through targeted investments in agriculture, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. These efforts, they noted, are vital to undermining the appeal of insurgent recruitment and fostering long-term stability.

Additionally, the governors called for stronger synergy between the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) and state governments. They emphasized the need for the commission’s programs to reflect on-the-ground realities, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and transportation.

The meeting ended with a call for sustained unity and purposeful leadership as the region continues to recover from years of conflict and neglect.