The North-East Governors' Forum has called on the federal government to accelerate the completion of the Mambila hydropower project in Taraba State. This appeal was made in a communiqué issued after their 13th meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State. The governors noted that a recent arbitration ruling has cleared a significant legal obstacle, paving the way for the project's completion. They emphasized the project's importance in enhancing electricity supply and fostering economic growth in the region.
The communiqué, signed by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and read by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, highlighted the governors' concerns over the apparent neglect of the Mambila hydropower project. They urged the federal government to expedite its completion and commencement. The governors cited the Dadinkowa hydropower plant in Gombe State as an example of regional cooperation in addressing power needs. The plant currently supplies electricity to the national grid.
The North-East Governors' Forum also emphasized the need for regional cooperation in addressing development challenges. They noted that electricity supply has evolved into a shared regional development agenda, rather than an issue handled independently by individual states. The forum encouraged member states to leverage Nigeria's electricity law and the region's solar potential to expand renewable energy projects, including solar power and mini-grids.
In addition to the Mambila hydropower project, the governors agreed to partner with Green Ville Energy to establish compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas stations across the region. This partnership aims to reduce transportation costs. The forum commended the federal government, through the North East Development Commission, for providing 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses, and 300 electric taxis for the region. These vehicles are expected to be launched later this month.
The governors also resolved to establish a regional air shuttle to facilitate the movement of people and goods within the North-East and to other parts of the country. They welcomed President Bola Tinubu's renewed attention to the Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri rail corridor and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri highway. The forum called on the federal government to revisit oil exploration activities that commenced but later stalled in Magumeri and Gubio local government areas of Borno State.
On security, the governors acknowledged progress in the fight against insurgency and commended the armed forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices. They renewed their commitment to addressing youth unemployment through improved access to education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, technology, and employment opportunities. The governors also expressed concern over the impact of deforestation in the region and resolved to partner with the Forestry Research Institute to train forest management experts.
The meeting was attended by Governors Zulum, Fintiri, and Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, with Bauchi and Yobe states represented by their deputy governors. The forum noted that its unity since its inaugural meeting in Gombe in March 2020 had strengthened the region's collective voice in pursuing infrastructure and development projects. The governors are scheduled to hold their 14th meeting in Gombe on 18 and 19 December.
Key points
- The North-East Governors' Forum has urged the federal government to fast-track the completion of the Mambila hydropower project in Taraba State.
- The project is expected to improve electricity supply and drive economic development in the region.
- The governors also emphasized the need for regional cooperation in addressing development challenges, including the expansion of renewable energy projects.
