Communiqué Issued at the Conclusion of the 11th Meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), Held in Damaturu, Yobe State on Thursday, 1st May, 2025

The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, with the Governor of Bauchi State represented by the Deputy Governor, held its 11th regular meeting in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, on Thursday, 1st May 2025.

The Forum expressed deep appreciation for the continuing spirit of unity, mutual cooperation, and regional solidarity among member states. It reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing a collective regional agenda focused on security, socio-economic integration, and inclusive development across the subregion.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Forum issued the following resolutions:

• The Forum commended the Federal Government for its continued efforts in safeguarding national security and pledged full collaboration and support in addressing emerging security challenges in the country.
• Concerned about the resurgence of insurgent activities in parts of the region, the Forum called for a comprehensive review of current counter-insurgency strategies by the Armed Forces and other security agencies. It urged stronger community engagement and leadership involvement to support security efforts.
• The Forum emphasized that sustainable peace in the North-East requires a multidimensional strategy beyond military operations. It resolved to intensify regional efforts towards tackling root causes of insecurity such as youth unemployment, inadequate education, poor infrastructure, and widespread poverty.
• Acknowledging the critical role of road infrastructure, the Forum highlighted the negative impact of poor road networks on security and economic activity. It called on the President to urgently intervene in reviving abandoned infrastructure projects vital to the development and stability of the subregion.
• The Forum reiterated its collective resolve to unlock the region’s economic potential by promoting agricultural productivity for food security, driving industrialization, supporting climate change adaptation, and investing in youth skills acquisition to reduce vulnerability to insurgent recruitment.
• Recognizing the strategic importance of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), the Forum urged the Commission to strengthen its engagement with state governments, prioritizing critical sectors such as transportation, health, and education. It further called on the NEDC to recommit to its core mandate of post-insurgency reconstruction and adhere to strict timelines in project implementation.
• The Forum acknowledged the contribution of the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus, to legal education in the region and resolved to support its expansion through the provision of hostel accommodation, water facilities, and other infrastructure to enhance its training capacity.
• As part of a coordinated approach to eradicating the menace of out-of-school children and the Almajiri system, the Forum resolved to partner with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE). Member states will provide office spaces for the Commission, support enrolment drives, offer vocational and technical education, and harmonize regional strategies for effective intervention.

The Forum announced that its 12th meeting will be hosted in Jalingo, Taraba State, from 27th to 29th July, 2025.