The North-East Governors' Forum has urged the Federal Government to revive oil exploration activities in Borno State. This appeal was made during the 13th regular meeting of the forum, held at the Borno Government House in Maiduguri, on October 2-3, 2026. The meeting brought together governors and top officials from six North-Eastern states to discuss regional security, economic integration, and infrastructure.
The forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reviving the Kolmani oil drilling project in Gombe State. The governors expressed appreciation for the renewed federal attention on key regional infrastructure projects, including the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri rail corridor and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway. These projects aim to boost economic development and connectivity in the region.
The North-East Governors' Forum specifically requested the revival of petroleum exploration activities in the Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State. These activities had commenced but stalled in the past. The forum's Vice Chairman and Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Umaru Fintiri, read the communiqué, emphasizing the importance of reviving oil exploration in the region.
The forum highlighted its achievements over the past six years, including promoting regional unity and driving developmental results. The governors praised member states for shifting toward a regional energy agenda, citing the Dadinkowa hydropower plant, which feeds the national grid. They encouraged states to leverage the new electricity law and abundant solar resources to expand mini-grid solutions.
The North-East Governors' Forum also reiterated its call on the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Mambila Hydropower Plant. The recent clearance of legal encumbrances through an arbitration ruling has paved the way for the project's completion. The forum announced a partnership with Green Ville Energy to establish more Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas stations across the region.
To ease transportation costs and stimulate economic activities, the forum acknowledged the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission for providing 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses, and 300 electric taxis. The region also plans to launch a North-East regional air shuttle service to facilitate faster movement of people and goods. The governors reaffirmed their commitment to intelligence sharing and inter-state security cooperation.
The North-East Governors' Forum pledged to prioritize quality education, vocational and entrepreneurial training, and technology-driven employment for youth. The region holds one of the youngest populations in the country, and the forum recognized the need to address the root socio-economic drivers of youth exploitation by extremist elements. The next meeting will be held on December 18–19, 2026, in Gombe State.
Key points
- North-East governors urge FG to revive stalled oil exploration in Borno State.
- Forum commends Tinubu for reviving Kolmani oil project in Gombe State.
- Region to prioritize quality education and vocational training for youth.
