North-East Governors' Forum Demands Federal Attention to Regional Development

 

L- R: Governors Mai Mala Buni ( Yobe), Ahmadu Fintiri ( Adamawa), Babagana Umara Zulum ( Borno), Bala Mohammed ( Bauchi), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( Gombe) abd Jefas Agbu ( Taraba) during the opening of the 10th North East Governors' Forum Meeting in Bauchi

Zakari Haruna - Kaduna 

The North-East Governors' Forum (NEGF) has issued a communique calling for urgent federal attention to regional development, following its 10th meeting in Bauchi, Bauchi State.

The forum, comprising Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, expressed concern over the neglect of the Northeast in federal capital projects and urged the government to reconstruct the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor and include the region in national development plans.

The governors also demanded the restoration of power to all states in the region by May 27, 2024, and resolved to set up a solar power plant to generate 10 Megawatts per state. They called on the Minister of Power to extend the 330KV transmission line from Makurdi to Gassol-Jalingo and Kano-Bauchi-Yobe.

Other resolutions include maximizing hydropower generated in Kashimbilla and Dadin Kowa dam, combating desertification, and investing in agriculture value chain. The forum also partnered with OCP Africa to support agriculture and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening partnership with UNICEF on water and sanitation coverage.

The communique was signed by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Chairman NEGF and Governor of Borno State. The 11th Meeting of the Forum is scheduled for August 30-31, 2024, in Damaturu, Yobe State.

This move by the North-East Governors' Forum highlights the region's determination to address its development challenges and push for greater federal support.