Governors from Nigeria’s North-East region convened on Thursday in Damaturu, Yobe State, for the 11th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum, with a unified focus on addressing the resurging Boko Haram insurgency, entrenched poverty, and severe infrastructure deficits plaguing the region.
The meeting took place at the Yobe State Government House in Damaturu. Leaders from six North-East states attended, including host Governor Mai Mala Buni. Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who chairs the forum, also participated in the meeting.
In his opening remarks, Governor Zulum warned about a renewed wave of Boko Haram attacks. He said the attacks could reverse recent military and humanitarian progress in the region.
“The recent re-emergence of attacks by insurgents is a matter of serious concern capable of undermining the successes already recorded in the theatre of war,” Zulum said. “While we appreciate the sacrifices of our armed forces, we must collectively work to bring this conflict to a decisive end.”
The governors agreed that military force alone cannot end the crisis.They stressed the urgent need for socio-economic solutions to tackle insecurity’s root causes.
Zulum described the region’s growing poverty as an economic and humanitarian crisis. He urged immediate short- and medium-term plans to revive agriculture. Zulum also suggested supporting farmers directly and investing in irrigation infrastructure. He recommended adopting climate-resilient farming methods to boost productivity. However, he warned that agriculture alone cannot end poverty in the North-East.
“Beyond agriculture, we must create an enabling environment for the growth of small and medium-scale industries. It’s time to attract private-sector investments and drive innovation across our region,” he said.
“The era of lamentation is over. We are here not to mourn our challenges but to provide practical solutions for our people.”
In his welcome address, Governor Buni echoed similar concerns. He stressed the urgent need to create jobs for Nigerian youth. He also warned that unemployed youth remain vulnerable to insurgents like Boko Haram and criminal networks.
“We have a moral duty to make agriculture appealing, accessible, and profitable,” Buni said. “Our vast arable land and youthful population are powerful assets that must be harnessed for food security and economic growth.”
The governors used the platform to praise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership during these difficult times. They pledged full support for national policies that promote unity and economic stability.
They honored the Nigerian military, Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hunters who died fighting terrorism.They promised continued support for security agencies to maintain and strengthen peace in the region.
The meeting is expected to end with a communiqué outlining key resolutions and action plans.These plans will address insecurity and underdevelopment in the North-East.
