Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has said regional cooperation among the six states of Nigeria’s North-East has produced progress in infrastructure, energy, connectivity and economic development since the establishment of the North-East Governors’ Forum in 2020.
Yahaya made the remarks on Saturday, October 3, while delivering his opening address at the forum’s 13th meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He highlighted joint efforts to rehabilitate strategic roads, strengthen regional power and connectivity, revive the North-East Trade Fair and advance plans for a regional airline.
According to the governor, the initiatives demonstrate the value of cooperation among states confronting economic and infrastructure challenges that extend beyond individual state boundaries.
The meeting was hosted by Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who chairs the forum. The six participating states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.
Governors emphasise collective action
The forum provides a platform for the governors to discuss shared challenges, coordinate policy priorities and explore projects that could benefit multiple states.
Yahaya said cooperation had helped the region pursue infrastructure and economic initiatives that might be more difficult for individual states to deliver independently.
Strategic roads and transport links are particularly important for connecting communities, facilitating trade and improving access to markets and public services.
Regional coordination can also support discussions on energy supply, investment and other projects that require cooperation between governments.
Regional airline remains an area of focus
Yahaya identified progress towards establishing a regional airline as one of the initiatives being pursued by the states.
Such a project would require detailed planning around financing, regulation, operational costs, airport infrastructure and long-term commercial viability.
The governor’s remarks indicate that the initiative remains part of the region’s development agenda; they do not establish that an airline has commenced operations.
Similarly, the reported progress on roads, energy and trade initiatives would need to be assessed against specific project milestones, funding commitments and completed work.
Security and economic development remain connected
The North-East continues to face security and economic challenges that affect communities, public services and commercial activity.
The governors’ forum provides a mechanism for discussing regional responses, including infrastructure development, economic cooperation and measures intended to improve livelihoods.
The meeting’s broader significance lies in whether agreements reached by the states can be translated into funded projects, clear implementation timelines and measurable outcomes for residents.
Further announcements from the forum will be important in establishing the status of individual projects and the next steps in regional cooperation.