The North East Governors’ Forum has reaffirmed its dedication to deepening regional collaboration, reinforcing security measures, and accelerating economic and infrastructure development across the six member states.

?The commitment was formalized in a communique released at the conclusion of the Forum’s latest summit, signed by the Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the Forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

The meeting drew the executive governors of Borno, Adamawa, and Gombe states, while Bauchi and Yobe states were represented by their respective deputy governors. The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, was also in attendance.

?Reflecting on the coalition’s journey since its March 2020 inception in Gombe, the governors noted significant headway in fostering subregional solidarity and presenting a unified front on strategic priorities.

?The Forum commended the Federal Government for prioritizing pivotal infrastructure projects across the zone, notably the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri rail corridor, oil exploration efforts at the Kolmani field, and the reconstruction of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri highway. However, the leadership urged federal authorities to promptly reactivate stalled oil exploration ventures in the Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State.

?Highlighting regional energy achievements, the governors pointed to the successful integration of the Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant into the national grid.

They encouraged member states to capitalize on recent decentralization reforms in the power sector and leverage the region’s vast solar potential to deploy off-grid solar and mini-grid technologies. Additionally, with longstanding legal disputes now resolved, the Forum called on the Federal Government to fast-track execution of the Mambila Hydropower Project.

?On human capital and social welfare, the Forum acknowledged ongoing interventions by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), calling for intensified investments in education, the immediate disbursement of outstanding scholarships to indigent students, aggressive reduction of out-of-school children, and structured support for the Tsangaya education system.

?To curb rising transport expenses and optimize regional supply chains, the governors agreed to collaborate with Green Ville Energy to expand Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) refueling infrastructure across all six states.

The Forum also commended federal support channelled through the NEDC for a major clean-energy transport rollout, featuring 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses, and 300 electric taxis scheduled for deployment in October.

In tandem, member states resolved to establish a dedicated North-East regional air shuttle to streamline inter-state transit and trade.

?Reviewing security conditions, the governors recognized steady gains made against insurgency, praising the bravery and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, security services, and local communities.

The Forum emphasized its commitment to neutralizing socio-economic drivers that render vulnerable youth susceptible to criminal and violent extremist recruitment.

?Recognizing that the North-East holds one of Nigeria's youngest demographics, the leaders promised to broaden youth-focused avenues in technical vocational education, digital technology, entrepreneurship, and employment generation to secure long-term stability and economic self-reliance.

?The North-East Governors’ Forum is scheduled to convene for its next session from December 18 to 19, 2026, in Gombe, Gombe State.