The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) said its members were worried about the spate of bridges collapsing in the zone as a result of flooding.
This was contained in a Communique issued shortly after the end of the 12th meeting of the Forum in Jalingo on Saturday. The governors called on both the Federal Government and the North-East Development Commission NEDC to intervene in the broken infrastructure caused by the flood.
The Communique, which was read by the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, noted the appreciable success recorded in the onslaught against the insurgency in the North–East, but regretted that the sub-region is still confronted by daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.
“The Forum took into cognizance the forecast of the credible agencies on climate risk and the impending flood disaster in the subregion. It therefore calls for proactive measures in confronting the flood and robust sensitization of settlers along the flood plains. Forum decries the high cost of Agricultural inputs, which might have direct negative consequences on farm outputs next year.
“To avert impending food crises ahead, it calls for more subsidies to farmers and robust preparation for dry season farming. “Forum agrees to hold the North East Trade fair in partnership with NECCIMA, in Maiduguri, Borno State, in December 2025.
“While building on the early commitment of exploring solar options as a low-hanging fruit, Forum recommits to subduing energy poverty by tasking the Committee on Power and Energy in the subregion to come up with an integrated subregional power Masterplan.
The Forum congratulates the University of Maiduguri, which is a legacy University in the subregion, for its golden jubilee.
“We also express our willingness to support the 50th anniversary celebration and the re-launch of the University Endowment Fund coming up in November 2025, while also announcing that its next meeting is to be held in Maiduguri between 12th and 14th December 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, the Governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas, passionately appealed to the forum to urge the North East Development Commission to expedite the reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai bridge in the state.
The Governor also mentioned that several bridges across the state, such as Tella bridge, Mayokam bridge, Pamanga bridge, Marrraba Pantisawa bridge, Balaifi Karim bridge, Bali Suntai bridge, and box culverts in Jalingo, need reconstruction. He described the bridges as vital for trade, mobility, and security of not only the state but the north-east sub-region.
Governor Agbu Kefas emphasised the spirit of solidarity and unity among the North-East states. He highlighted that the region’s progress is interconnected with the welfare of one state, impacting others.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in addressing insecurity, emphasising the need for a multidimensional approach.
He made a case for non-kinetic measures, which include addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural deficit, to complement military efforts.
The North East Governors Forum comprises the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States.
The Forum continues to appreciate the level of cooperation and collaboration among member states in the sub-region. It thus recommits itself to the pursuit of common issues of sub-regional concern and pursuance of a collective course on matters that are related to the security, social, and economic integration of the sub-region.
