Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North-East Governors' Forum (NEGF), Babagana Zulum, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reviving oil exploration activities at the Kolmani oil well. This commendation was made during the 13th regular meeting of the North-East Governors' Forum held at the Government House in Maiduguri on October 3, 2026. The meeting brought together governors from the six northeastern states to discuss regional development, security, and economic cooperation.
The two-day meeting, which began on October 2, 2026, had in attendance governors from Adamawa, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and Gombe, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. The governors of Bauchi and Yobe states were represented by their deputies. Zulum noted that the resumption of oil exploration in the northeast, particularly in Kolmani and the Lake Chad basin, is crucial for the region's economic revival strategy. He appreciated the Federal Government's commitment to the development of the North-East.
Zulum emphasized that the revival of the Kolmani Oil Field in Bauchi State offers an opportunity to unlock new economic possibilities, create employment, stimulate infrastructure development, and broaden the revenue base of states and communities. He, however, urged that the momentum be extended to Borno State's oil fields, stressing that reviving exploration activities there would complement military operations and accelerate development across the sub-region.
The Forum Chairman highlighted that renewed federal support for oil exploration in Kolmani and Lake Chad would help diversify the region's economy and create much-needed jobs. He urged the Federal Government to revisit the exploration activities earlier commenced but subsequently stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State. Zulum stated that responsible exploration and development of natural resources can complement ongoing reconstruction efforts and create sustainable opportunities for the rapidly growing population.
Gombe State governor, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, listed achievements since the forum's creation, including establishing the North-East Education Council. He mentioned that the states are addressing the Almajiri and out-of-school children challenge through practical models. These models include Borno's Tsangaya Commission, Taraba's Almajiri Model Education Centres, and Gombe's Integrated Almajiri Education Centres.
The governors also discussed regional health platforms, with Commissioners of Health forming a platform to increase intra-regional responsiveness and share best practices in 2024. The 13th North-East Governors' Forum meeting is expected to issue a communiqué outlining measures on security, economic integration, and infrastructure development. This communiqué aims to address the region's challenges and promote cooperation among the northeastern states.
The North-East Governors' Forum meeting concluded with a call for sustained efforts to develop the region's resources and improve the lives of its citizens. The forum highlighted the importance of cooperation and collaboration among the states to address regional challenges. Key issues discussed included security, economic development, and infrastructure, with a focus on promoting sustainable growth and development in the region.
Key points
- Zulum commends President Tinubu for reviving oil exploration at Kolmani oil well
- The North-East Governors' Forum meeting discussed regional development, security, and economic cooperation
- The forum urged the Federal Government to revisit stalled exploration activities in Borno State's oil fields
