Communiqué Issued at the End of the 11th Meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF)
Held in Damaturu, Yobe State – Thursday, 1st May 2025
By Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchí
The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States—with the Deputy Governor representing the Governor of Bauchi State—held its 11th meeting in Damaturu, Yobe State on 1st May 2025.
The Forum acknowledged and appreciated the continuous collaboration among member states and reaffirmed its commitment to a united pursuit of subregional priorities, especially in matters of security, economic integration, infrastructure, and social development.
Communiqué Highlights:
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Security Collaboration
The Forum commended the Federal Government for its efforts in national security and pledged continued support to tackle emerging threats in the region. -
Insurgency & Strategic Response
The Forum expressed concern over the resurgence of insurgent activities in the region and urged the Armed Forces, security agencies, and community leaders to reassess their counter-insurgency strategies. -
Addressing Root Causes of Insecurity
The Forum emphasized a multidimensional approach to security—highlighting the need for vocational training, improved road networks, better education, and poverty reduction as fundamental to long-term peace. -
Critical Infrastructure
The Forum stressed the urgent need to complete abandoned road projects, noting their importance to both security and economic development in the Northeast. -
Economic Transformation
The Forum recommitted to fostering investment, agricultural development, food security, climate change mitigation, skills acquisition, and industrialization as avenues to reduce youth vulnerability to insurgent recruitment. -
Northeast Development Commission (NEDC)
While recognizing the role of the NEDC, the Forum urged the Commission to be more engaged with state governments, especially in roads, education, and healthcare, and to remain proactive and accountable in project delivery. -
Support for Legal Education
The Forum acknowledged the strategic importance of the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus, and resolved to support its expansion, including the provision of hostels, water supply, and learning facilities to increase admission capacity. -
Almajiri and Out-of-School Children
The Forum resolved to collaborate with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE) by:- Providing office space in each state
- Enrolling children into formal schools
- Offering vocational and technical education
- Adopting a unified regional approach to address this social challenge.
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Next Meeting
The 12th NEGF meeting is scheduled to be held from 27th–29th July 2025 in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Signed:
Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, FNSE
Chairman, North-East Governors’ Forum
Governor, Borno State