Governors of the six North-East states have expressed concern over looming humanitarian and economic challenges in the subregion, despite gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 12th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held on Saturday, 30th August, 2025, in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The Forum, chaired by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, had in attendance the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States.
In the communiqué, the Forum acknowledged appreciable success in counter-insurgency operations but lamented the humanitarian and infrastructural challenges that persist across the region.
It specifically raised alarm over forecasts by credible agencies predicting major flood disasters, urging urgent sensitisation of floodplain settlers and calling on the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to support reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure, particularly bridges.
The governors also decried the high cost of agricultural inputs, warning that it could adversely affect food production next year. To avert an impending food crisis, the Forum called for increased subsidies for farmers and robust support for dry-season farming.
On economic cooperation, the Forum announced plans to host the North-East Trade Fair in partnership with the North-East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NECCIMA) in Maiduguri, Borno State, in December 2025.
Reaffirming earlier commitments to renewable energy, the governors tasked the subregional Committee on Power and Energy to develop an integrated masterplan aimed at reducing energy poverty through solar and other sustainable options.
The Forum further congratulated the University of Maiduguri on its golden jubilee and pledged support for its 50th anniversary celebrations and the relaunch of its Endowment Fund scheduled for November 2025.
It was resolved during the meeting that the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum will be held in Maiduguri, Borno State, between 12th and 14th December 2025.
