North-East Govs converge in Jalingo, as insecurity, poverty, and infrastructure deficits takes centres

-Special Report-

Unity, Urgency, and Vision at the North-East Governors’ Forum in Jalingo

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, the city of Jalingo in Taraba State played host to a pivotal gathering of regional leadership as the North-East Governors’ Forum convened its 12th meeting. The forum, comprising governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, reaffirmed its collective commitment to confronting the multifaceted challenges facing the North-East subregion of Nigeria. The event was not merely a routine meeting—it was a clarion call for action, collaboration, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State welcomed his counterparts with warmth and hospitality, setting the tone for a weekend of serious deliberations and cultural celebration. A gala night preceding the main session featured vibrant performances from local cultural troupes, showcasing the rich heritage of Taraba and underscoring the unity that binds the region despite its diversity.

The forum’s deliberations were anchored on a communique signed by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the Forum. The document, read aloud by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, painted a sobering picture of the region’s current realities. While acknowledging the commendable progress made in counterinsurgency efforts, particularly the diminishing threat of Boko Haram, the governors expressed deep concern over lingering humanitarian crises and infrastructural decay. Displacement, inadequate healthcare, and broken bridges remain stark reminders of the years of violence and neglect.

A major theme that dominated the discussions was the looming threat of climate-induced flooding. Credible forecasts from environmental agencies have warned of severe floods across the North-East, prompting the governors to call for immediate and robust interventions. They urged the Federal Government and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritize the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, especially bridges that have been repeatedly damaged by floods. The governors also emphasized the need for widespread sensitization campaigns targeting communities living along floodplains, aiming to mitigate loss of life and property.

Agriculture, the backbone of the region’s economy, was another focal point. The governors lamented the skyrocketing cost of farm inputs, warning that if left unchecked, the trend could trigger a food crisis in the coming year. To avert this, they called for increased subsidies and a strategic push for dry-season farming, which they believe could stabilize food production and ensure regional food security.

In a bid to stimulate economic growth and regional integration, the forum announced plans to host the North-East Trade Fair in Maiduguri, Borno State, this December. Organized in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECCIMA), the fair is envisioned as a platform to showcase the subregion’s economic potential and foster inter-state commerce.

Energy poverty also received significant attention. Building on earlier commitments to explore solar energy as a viable alternative, the governors tasked the Committee on Power and Energy with developing an integrated subregional power master plan. This initiative aims to provide sustainable and affordable electricity to communities long plagued by darkness and unreliable power supply.

The forum concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the University of Maiduguri, which is celebrating its golden jubilee this year. The governors pledged their support for the 50th anniversary celebrations and the re-launch of the University’s Endowment Fund, scheduled for November. They recognized the institution as a beacon of learning and resilience in a region that has endured so much.

As the curtains fell on the Jalingo summit, the governors looked ahead to their next meeting, slated for December 12–14 in Maiduguri. The message from Jalingo was clear: the North-East is rising, not in isolation, but through unity, shared vision, and unwavering resolve. The challenges are immense, but so too is the determination to overcome them.