Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is also Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), has stated that Boko Haram insurgency in the region has been weakened but not defeated. He made this declaration during the 13th meeting of the forum in Maiduguri on Saturday. According to Governor Inuwa, despite notable regional achievements over the past six years, the insurgency still poses a threat, with continued attacks on communities.
The Governor noted that the lingering insecurity in the region has led to many displaced citizens being unable to return safely to their homes. He also pointed out that critical regional infrastructure projects, such as the Mambilla hydropower project, regional railway connections, and broadband expansion, remain unrealized. Furthermore, critical health and educational deficits continue to plague the region, hindering the overall development of the North East.
Governor Inuwa reflected on the journey of the North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) since its inception in Gombe in March 2020. He stated that the coalition was born out of necessity, as the challenges confronting the region were greater than any one state could solve alone. The Governor emphasized that insecurity, banditry, cross-border crime, poor infrastructure, energy deficits, and the humanitarian crisis do not respect state boundaries, requiring a collective approach to address them.
Despite the daunting hurdles, Governor Inuwa acknowledged tangible progress achieved by the forum across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, power generation, the economy, human capital development, and security. He highlighted the Kolmani exploration project as a beacon of great promise, stressing that this potential must translate into actual production, jobs, and revenue for the region.
The Governor also warned regarding the region’s natural wealth, emphasizing that solid minerals must be mined legally and for the benefit of the local people, not to fund criminality. He urged his colleagues to maintain a spirit of brutal honesty in addressing the region’s human capital challenges, citing the high number of out-of-school children and weak health indicators.
Saturday’s meeting carried profound historical significance, marking what is expected to be the final gathering of the forum ahead of the 2027 general elections. Five of the founding governors—from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe—are set to complete their constitutional two-term tenures in the coming months. The assembly served as a crucial moment for stock-taking, reflection, and leadership transition.
The meeting provided a platform for the governors to assess their progress and strategize for the future. As the forum concludes its activities, the governors are expected to hand over the mantle of leadership to their successors, who will build on the foundation laid by the outgoing administration. The legacy of the North East Governors’ Forum will be evaluated based on its achievements and the impact on the region.
Key points
- Boko Haram insurgency remains weakened but not defeated.
- The region faces critical infrastructure and human capital challenges.
- The North East Governors’ Forum is set to conclude its activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
