The North-East Governors' Forum (NEGF) has urged the federal government to revive oil exploration activities in Borno State. The forum, led by Chairman Babagana Zulum, commended President Bola Tinubu for reviving the Kolmani oil drilling project in Gombe State. This move aims to boost economic development in the region. The NEGF also announced significant progress in establishing the North-East Air Shuttle (NEAS), with N15.8 billion raised so far.
The NEGF's call for revived oil exploration in Borno State is not new. According to Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, the forum wants the federal government to revisit petroleum exploration activities that had commenced in the Magumeri and Gubio local council areas of Borno State. The project stalled due to security concerns. The governors believe that reviving the project will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The North-East Governors' Forum has made significant progress in promoting regional unity and development. Since its inaugural meeting in Gombe in March 2020, the forum has driven tangible developmental results. The governors highlighted the Dadinkowa hydropower plant, which now feeds the national grid, as a notable achievement. They encouraged states to leverage the new electricity law and abundant solar resources to expand mini-grid solutions.
Energy development remains a key priority for the NEGF. The forum praised member-states for shifting toward a regional energy agenda. They also reiterated their call on the federal government to expedite the completion of the long-neglected Mambila Hydropower Plant, following the recent clearance of legal encumbrances through an arbitration ruling. This project has the potential to provide electricity to millions of people in the region.
The NEGF is also working to ease transportation costs and stimulate economic activities in the region. The forum announced a partnership with Green Ville Energy to establish more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the region. This move aims to provide alternative energy sources for vehicles and industries. Additionally, the federal government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) have provided 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses, and 300 electric taxis.
The North-East Governors' Forum acknowledged the progress made in the fight against insurgency but noted that the region still faces significant humanitarian and infrastructural challenges. The governors praised the sacrifices of the Armed Forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency. They also announced plans to float a North-east regional air shuttle service, the North-East Air Shuttle (NEAS), to facilitate faster movement of people and goods.
The NEGF's efforts to promote regional development are ongoing. The forum's achievements over the past six years demonstrate its commitment to driving growth and development in the North-East region. With the remaining funds for NEAS expected to be raised by the end of the year, the governors are optimistic about the region's future prospects. The revival of oil exploration in Borno State and other development initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the region's economy.
Key points
- North-East governors urge revival of stalled oil exploration in Borno State.
- NEGF announces N15.8 billion raised for North-East Air Shuttle (NEAS).
- Forum praises President Tinubu for reviving Kolmani oil drilling project in Gombe State.
