The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States—alongside the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, who represented his principal—has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks across the region. The renewed wave of violence has reportedly resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and the destruction of properties valued in billions of naira.
This was part of a detailed communiqué released at the conclusion of the forum’s 11th meeting, hosted in Damaturu, Yobe State, by Governor Mai Mala Buni. The communique was signed by the forum’s Chairman, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum. During the event, the Governor of Taraba State, Kefas Agbu, presented the forum’s nine-point resolution addressing security and development challenges facing the region.
The Forum began by acknowledging the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve national security. However, the governors called for intensified collaboration between the federal authorities, military forces, and community leaders, emphasizing the need for a re-evaluation of current counterinsurgency strategies in light of rising insurgent activities.
Recognizing that the insecurity cannot be solved by military efforts alone, the governors stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach. They proposed tackling root causes such as youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, poor education, and widespread poverty. Vocational and technical education, enhanced road networks, and poverty alleviation programs were highlighted as critical components of this approach.
They further pointed to the region’s deteriorating road infrastructure as a significant factor contributing to insecurity and economic stagnation. The forum appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently revive and complete abandoned infrastructure projects that are vital to the region’s development.
In addition, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to opening up the region for investment, promoting agricultural development for food security, combating climate change, supporting skills acquisition, and driving industrialization. These efforts aim to provide viable alternatives to the youth population who are vulnerable to recruitment by insurgents.
The governors also emphasized the pivotal role of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in regional rebuilding and development. They urged the Commission to engage more proactively with individual state governments to align its interventions with local priorities—especially in road infrastructure, education, and healthcare—and to adhere to timelines for ongoing projects.
The Forum pledged support for the expansion of the Nigerian Law School’s Yola Campus by providing improved infrastructure including hostel accommodations and water supply to increase its admission capacity and create a conducive learning environment.
Lastly, the governors resolved to collaborate with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE). This includes offering office spaces in each state, enrolling Almajiri and out-of-school children in formal education, and promoting vocational training. They also advocated for a unified strategy to tackle the long-standing issue of out-of-school children in the region.
The next NEGF meeting is scheduled to take place from July 27 to 29, 2025, in Jalingo, Taraba State.
In attendance at the meeting were Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, and host Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State. Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba State was also present, while the Governor of Bauchi State was represented by his Deputy, Mohammed Abdulkadir. The meeting also had in attendance some members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and senior government officials.
