Northeast Governors Call for Federal Support to Address Infrastructure and Power Issues at 10th NEGF Meeting

Published By Aisha Rabo Last updated May 18, 2024

Northeast Governors Call for Federal Support to Address Infrastructure and Power Issues at 10th NEGF Meeting

By Ayshatu S. Rabo

The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, convened for its 10th meeting on May 17, 2024, in Bauchi, Bauchi State.The Forum expressed satisfaction with the growing strength of subregional cooperation and applauded the leadership successes of the Governors in their respective states. It reiterated its commitment to fostering common ground and pursuing collective goals for the benefit of the region’s people. The Forum issued the following communique after extensive deliberations:Forum Acknowledgement: The NEGF celebrated the milestone of holding its 10th meeting, indicating that the states and their leaders are on the right path. The Forum stressed the importance of sustaining this momentum.Promotion of Regional Commerce: The Forum commended the Bauchi State Government for hosting the Northeast Trade Fair, following a decision made at the 8th Meeting in Maiduguri. The Trade Fair was recognized as a crucial tool for promoting regional commerce, attracting investors, and demonstrating the Forum’s ability to translate decisions into actions.Neglect in Federal Allocation: The Forum expressed concern over the neglect of the Northeast in the allocation of Federal Government capital projects. It highlighted the poor state of infrastructure, particularly roads and railways along the economic corridors linking the Northeast to the rest of the country. The Forum called on the Federal Government to prioritize the reconstruction of infrastructure along the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor and include the Northeast in all national development plans and initiatives.Power Supply Issues: The Forum noted with dismay the recent blackout in the region and the lack of urgency from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in addressing the issue. The Forum urged the Federal Government to direct TCN to restore power to all states by May 27, 2024, and resolved to set up solar power plants generating a minimum of 10 Megawatts per state as a short-term solution.Transmission Line Concerns: The Forum highlighted that the Northeast is the only region in Nigeria with a single transmission line supplying six states. It called for the urgent extension of the 330KV transmission line from Makurdi-Gassol-Jalingo to link Adamawa-Gombe-Bauchi, and from Kano-Bauchi-Yobe to Borno, to support industrial development and economic growth.Utilization of Hydropower: The Forum resolved to maximize the hydropower generated from the Kashimbilla and Dadin Kowa dams, which the region has not benefited from due to the Ministry of Power’s failure to extend the 330KV line.Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: The Forum acknowledged the ongoing issue of climate change and environmental degradation in the region. It appreciated the efforts of various states in implementing policies to reclaim the environment and called for a sustained and coordinated regional effort to combat desertification.Northeast Development Commission (NEDC): The Forum urged the NEDC to adopt a consultative approach in its operations and project prioritization, and to collaborate with states for energy development to alleviate energy shortages.Agricultural Investment: In light of the global food security crisis, the Forum resolved to continue investing in the agricultural value chain. Member states agreed to procure improved drought-resistant and short-maturation seedlings, subsidize fertilizers, and promote the transformation of subsistence farming into SMEs. The Forum also resolved to partner with OCP Africa to support agriculture in the Northeast.Water and Sanitation (WASH) Partnership: The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with UNICEF to improve water and sanitation coverage in the region.The Forum expressed gratitude to the Government and People of Bauchi State for hosting the meeting and announced that the 11th Meeting of the Forum will be held in Damaturu, Yobe State, from August 30-31, 2024.