North East governors
North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has announced plans to launch a regional air shuttle and expand electric transportation across the six states to make travel easier, reduce transport costs and boost economic activities in the region.
The decision was part of the resolutions reached at the forum’s 13th meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, where governors and their representatives reviewed progress in regional cooperation and agreed on new measures to improve the lives of residents.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, who chairs the forum, presented the communiqué after the meeting attended by governors and deputy governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
The forum welcomed the Federal Government’s support through the North East Development Commission (NEDC), including the provision of 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis expected to be launched this month to ease transportation challenges.
The governors said the planned regional air shuttle would improve the movement of people and goods within the North East and strengthen trade, investment and economic integration across the sub-region.
They also praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing attention on the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri rail corridor, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway and the Kolmani oil exploration project, describing them as critical to the region’s development.
However, the forum appealed to the Federal Government to resume the suspended oil exploration activities in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State to unlock more economic opportunities.
On electricity, the governors said the North East had moved from separate state efforts to a regional energy agenda, noting that the Dadin Kowa Hydropower Plant now supplies electricity to the national grid.
They encouraged member states to take advantage of the new Electricity Act by investing in solar power and mini-grid projects to improve electricity supply for homes, businesses and industries.
The forum also renewed its call for the completion of the long-delayed Mambilla Hydropower Project following the resolution of legal disputes, saying the project would transform electricity generation and industrial growth.
On education, the governors urged the release of long-awaited scholarships for indigent students and called for greater investment to reduce the number of out-of-school children while strengthening support for Tsangaya education.
The forum commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts against insurgency, but noted that humanitarian needs and infrastructure deficits remain major challenges. It pledged continued support for security operations, stronger intelligence sharing among states and more programmes to create jobs, vocational skills and better opportunities for young people.
The governors also expressed concern over increasing deforestation in the region and agreed to partner with the Institute of Forest Research to train forestry experts and promote environmental protection.
The North East Governors’ Forum was established in 2020 to promote closer cooperation among Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states. Over the years, it has focused on tackling common challenges such as insecurity, infrastructure, economic development, education and regional integration through a united approach.
The forum announced that its next meeting will be held in Gombe State on December 18 and 19, 2026.
