The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has expressed concern over persistent humanitarian and infrastructural challenges in the subregion, despite what it described as “appreciable success” in the fight against insurgency.
In a communique issued at the end of its 12th meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, and signed by its chairman, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to addressing common security, social, and economic concerns.
“Forum acknowledges the appreciable success recorded in the onslaught against insurgency in the North East but regrets that the subregion is still confronted by daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges,” the communique stated.
The governors raised alarm over looming flood disasters, urging proactive measures and federal support for the reconstruction of collapsed infrastructure, especially bridges. “Forum took into cognizance the forecast of credible agencies on climate risk and the impending flood disaster in the subregion. It therefore calls for proactive measures in confronting the flood and robust sensitization of settlers along flood plains. It also called for support from both the Federal Government and NEDC to reconstruct broken infrastructure, especially bridges damaged by floods,” the statement read.
On agriculture, the Forum decried the rising cost of inputs, warning of a potential food crisis if urgent interventions are not made. It called for increased subsidies for farmers and stronger preparation for dry-season farming.
The NEGF also announced that the North East Trade Fair would hold in Maiduguri, Borno State, in December 2025, in partnership with NECCIMA.
Reiterating its commitment to renewable energy, the governors said their Committee on Power and Energy had been directed to develop an integrated subregional power masterplan to reduce energy poverty.
The Forum further congratulated the University of Maiduguri on its golden jubilee and pledged support for its anniversary celebrations and the re-launch of its endowment fund in November 2025.
The next NEGF meeting is scheduled for December 12–14, 2025, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
