The Northeast Governors' Forum (NEGF) has shifted its approach to power supply, transforming it from a problem handled independently by each state to a shared regional energy agenda. This new approach aims to leverage the region's abundant resources, including 12 hours of sunshine daily, to boost solar and mini-grid technologies. The forum's chairman, Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and Vice Chairman, Adamawa State Governor Alhaji Ahmodu Umoru Fintiri, disclosed this in a communique issued after the forum's 13th meeting in Maiduguri.
The NEGF has identified the Dadinkowa hydropower plant in Gombe state as a success story, with the plant currently feeding the national grid. The six governors attributed this achievement to their joint efforts to provide power and energize the sub-region for economic growth and development. They expressed concern over the Mambila hydropower plant in Taraba State, urging the Federal Government to expedite its completion and take-off, following a recent arbitration ruling that cleared the project's legal encumbrance.
To enhance energy supply and reduce transport costs, the forum agreed to partner with Green Ville Energy to build Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the region. This initiative aims to provide alternative energy sources and stimulate economic growth. The governors also commended the Federal Government for providing 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses, and 300 electric taxis, which are expected to be launched later this month to ease transportation burdens.
The NEGF also resolved to establish a North-East regional air shuttle, facilitating the movement of people and goods within the region and to other parts of the country. The forum welcomed President Bola Tinubu's renewed attention to critical infrastructure projects, including the PortHarcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri rail corridor and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway.
On security, the governors acknowledged the progress made against insurgency, commending the courage and sacrifice of the Armed Forces and other security agencies. They also emphasized the need to provide young people with quality education, vocational and entrepreneurial skills, technology, and meaningful jobs, given the North-East's youthful population.
The forum condemned the damage caused by deforestation and resolved to partner with the Forestry Research Institute to train forest experts in the region. The meeting was attended by governors from Borno, Adamawa, and Gombe states, as well as representatives from Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno states.
The NEGF noted that its greatest achievement since its inaugural meeting in March 2020 has been its members' unity, which has given the region a collective voice and facilitated infrastructural development. The 14th meeting of the forum is scheduled to hold in Gombe on December 18 and 19, 2027.
Key points
- Northeast governors unite on regional energy plan
- Mambila hydropower project to be expedited
- Regional air shuttle and CNG/LNG stations to be established
