North-East Nigeria regional cooperation

During its 13th regular meeting in Maiduguri, the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) expanded its regional integration agenda by proposing the launch of a regional air shuttle to accelerate the movement of people and goods across the six states.

To address rising transportation costs, the governors agreed to partner with Green Ville Energy to expand Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations throughout the subregion. They also welcomed the provision of electric vehicles, such as buses and tricycles, via the North-East Development Commission.

On security, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reported that while the Boko Haram insurgency has been weakened, it remains a persistent threat alongside banditry and communal clashes. Recent developments have intensified these concerns, as the Northern Senators Forum has demanded an immediate military offensive in the Kopre-Sambisa corridor of Adamawa State following insurgent attacks on military battalions that resulted in the deaths of soldiers, a forest guard, and civilians.

Economic priorities continue to focus on infrastructure and energy. The forum urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revive stalled oil exploration in the Magumeri and Gubio areas of Borno State, while expressing support for the Kolmani oilfield project in Bauchi. Additionally, the governors emphasized the necessity of completing the Mambilla hydropower project and the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri rail corridor. Recent updates note that the Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant is now feeding the national grid, and governors expressed appreciation for federal support regarding highway rehabilitation projects.