By Abdulwahab Muhammad, SSA Communication to the Governor of Bauchi State
North-East Governors Unveil Regional Air Shuttle, CNG Network, Push Rail, Oil and Power Projects
By Abdulwahab Muhammad, SSA Communication to the Governor of Bauchi State
The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has announced plans to establish a regional air shuttle and expand CNG and LNG infrastructure across the six states as part of a broader drive to improve transportation, energy supply and economic integration in the subregion.
The decisions were among major resolutions reached at the Forum’s 13th meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
The Forum, comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States, also renewed calls for accelerated action on strategic federal infrastructure projects, including the Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri rail corridor, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri highway and the Mambilla hydropower project.
Bauchi State was represented at the meeting by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, on behalf of Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
Also attending were Borno State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; and Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Yobe State Governor was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, while Borno State Deputy Goevelopment.
The Forum also called on the Federal Government to revisit oil exploration activities previously commenced but later stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Regional Air Shuttle Takes Shape
In one of the meeting’s major transportation resolutions, the governors agreed to establish a North-East Regional Air Shuttle to facilitate faster movement of people and goods within the subregion and improve connectivity with other parts of the country.
The initiative is expected to complement other efforts aimed at improving regional transportation and strengthening economic links among the six states.
The Forum further agreed to partner with Green Ville Energy to develop additional CNG and LNG stations across the North-East as part of measures to reduce transportation costs and strengthen logistics.
It also acknowledged federal support through the North East Development Commission for the provision of 10,000 electric tricycles, 10 electric buses and 300 electric taxis, which the Forum said were scheduled for launch in October.
Governors Push Regional Energy Agenda
On electricity, the Forum acknowledged efforts by individual states to improve power supply but stressed the need to transform these interventions into a coordinated regional energy strategy.
It noted the contribution of the Dadin Kowa hydropower plant to the national grid and encouraged member states to take advantage of changes in Nigeria’s electricity framework and the region’s solar potential to develop renewable-energy and mini-grid projects.
The governors also renewed their concern over delays surrounding the Mambilla hydropower project.
They called on the Federal Government to take advantage of the reported resolution of legal impediments surrounding the project and accelerate steps towards its implementation.
Security Remains Major Concern
On security, the governors acknowledged progress recorded in operations against insurgency and paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices.
They, however, noted that the North-East continues to face serious humanitarian, security and infrastructural challenges.
The Forum reaffirmed the commitment of the six states to supporting security agencies while strengthening interstate cooperation, intelligence sharing, community engagement and coordinated responses to emerging thr vyingitation by criminal and extremist groups.
Education, Jobs and Youth Development
Recognising the North-East’s large youth population, the Forum committed itself to expanding access to quality education, vocational and entrepreneurial skills, technology and employment opportunities.
The governors said providing legitimate economic opportunities and dignified livelihoods was an important component of building a more secure and prosperous region.
The Forum also called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to increase investment in education.
It specifically urged the Commission to release long-awaited scholarship awards for indigent students and devote additional resources to tackling the challenge of out-of-school children, including coordinated support for Tsangaya education.
Governors Move Against Deforestation
Environmental degradation also featured prominently in the discussions.
The Forum expressed concern over the scale of deforestation across the North-East and agreed to partner with the Institute of Forest Research to train forestry experts for the region.
The initiative is expected to strengthen environmental management and improve the capacity of member states to respond to deforestation and related ecological challenges.
Six States Reaffirm Common Front
Reflecting on the Forum’s activities since its inaugural meeting in Gombe in March 2020, the governors described regional cooperation as central to addressing challenges that cut across state boundaries.
They reaffirmed their commitment to speaking collectively on security, infrastructure, energy, education, economic integration and other matters affecting the subregion.
The Forum said the unity developed among the six states over the past six years had strengthened their capacity to pursue common regional interests.
The next meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum is scheduled to hold in Gombe State on December 18–19, 2026.
The communiqué was signed by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, FNSE, Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum.
Published by Alphapressmedia.com
