Governors of the North-East region have agreed on a new, multi-pronged strategy to combat the growing insecurity in their states, combining military action with social and economic interventions.
The decision was made during the 11th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held on Thursday in Damaturu, Yobe State. A nine-point communiqué was read at the end of the meeting by the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas.
According to the communiqué, the governors resolved to adopt a “multidimensional approach” that combines both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (non-military) solutions to end the insecurity that has plagued the region for over a decade.
“The Forum agreed that sustainable peace in the region cannot be achieved through force alone. We must address the root causes of insecurity such as youth unemployment, poverty, weak education systems, and poor infrastructure,” the governors stated.
The governors acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government to improve national security but expressed concern over the resurgence of insurgent activities in parts of the region, including renewed attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups.
They urged the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to reassess their strategies and work more closely with local communities to improve counter-insurgency operations.
Another key issue discussed was the poor state of federal roads across the North-East, which the governors said is worsening insecurity and slowing down economic recovery. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the completion of long-abandoned road projects across the region.
In addition to security concerns, the forum agreed to pursue joint development projects aimed at creating jobs and improving quality of life. This includes investments in agriculture, renewable energy, climate change adaptation, and vocational training for youths.
The governors also praised the efforts of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) but urged the agency to step up its work, particularly in road construction and transport infrastructure. They also called for better engagement with stakeholders at the grassroots level.
The forum supported the expansion of the Nigerian Law School Yola Campus and pledged support for necessary infrastructure such as hostels, water supply, and classrooms.
On education, the governors resolved to back the work of the newly established National Commission for Al-Majiri and Out-of-School Children Education by providing offices in each state. They also agreed to develop a common strategy for returning out-of-school children to formal and vocational learning systems.
The meeting was attended by governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states. Bauchi State was represented by its deputy governor. The forum is chaired by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
The 12th session of the North-East Governors’ Forum is scheduled to hold in Jalingo, Taraba State, from July 27 to 29, 2025.
