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By Tracy Moses
Governors from North-East region have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the pressing challenges of poverty, insurgency, and flooding through collaborative strategies and coordinated action.
The renewed commitment came during the 11th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.
The meeting brought together leaders of the six states in the region, who jointly acknowledged the socio-economic hardships facing millions of residents and stressed the urgency of adopting both short and medium-term interventions.
Welcoming his counterparts, Yobe State Governor and host of the summit, Mai Mala Buni, said the region is at a critical point that requires bold, united action.
“I am most delighted and profoundly honoured to welcome Your Excellencies to the 11th meeting of our vibrant North-East Governors’ Forum. Our collective resolve has made this body a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian federation,” Buni stated.
He emphasized the rising cost of living, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and weakening purchasing power as urgent issues that must be addressed.
“Our people are facing significant hardship, especially in areas of food, transportation, and healthcare, worsened by the global economic downturn. These are not just economic challenges, but also social and humanitarian crises,” he noted.
On the security front, the governors lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for gains made against insurgents but expressed concern over a resurgence of attacks in some parts of the region. Buni called for a more offensive strategy from the military to consolidate existing successes.
“I commend the Armed Forces for their efforts, but recent re-emergence of attacks is troubling. I urge a review of current military operations to adopt a more aggressive approach,” he said.
The Forum also focused on the region’s alarming poverty rate, vowing to revamp the agricultural sector by supporting farmers, investing in irrigation systems, and encouraging climate-resilient practices. However, Governor Buni emphasized that agriculture alone will not lift the region out of poverty.
“We must also foster an environment conducive for small and medium-scale industries to thrive. That means investing in infrastructure, offering incentives for private sector investment, and promoting innovation,” he said.
Flooding, which has devastated lives and livelihoods in the region, also received priority attention. The governors called on one another to take proactive steps ahead of the rainy season, especially in light of early warning alerts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
“We must treat NiMet’s early warnings with utmost seriousness. Concrete steps must be taken now to avoid a repeat of last year’s devastation,” Buni cautioned.
The Forum collectively agreed on the need to improve infrastructure, create job opportunities, promote skills acquisition, and support small businesses as part of efforts to reduce poverty and drive inclusive development.
“As governors, we carry a sacred responsibility to improve the lives of our people. We must work together, support each other, and recognize that our individual successes are tied to the collective success of our region,” Buni added.
A key highlight of the meeting was the formal introduction of Umar Musa Gulani as the new Director General of the North-East Governors’ Forum. A retired Federal Director and experienced public administrator, Gulani previously served in key roles, including Director of Administration for the Presidential Committee on North-East Initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation of unity and determination by the governors to prioritize the welfare of the region’s people and to forge ahead with practical solutions to the challenges that have plagued the North-East for years.