North-East governors have called for sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital and economic development to consolidate peace, restore livelihoods and improve residents’ quality of life across the region.

The governors made the call at the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held in Maiduguri on Saturday.

Declaring the meeting open, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, who chairs the forum, said the region had made considerable progress in security and reconstruction.

He stressed that the gains must be matched with investments that would create sustainable opportunities for the people.

Mr Zulum said years of insecurity, displacement and disrupted livelihoods had created humanitarian challenges across the region, making it necessary to move communities from relief to recovery and sustainable development.

“We must build resilient communities where reconstruction is accompanied by livelihood restoration and where the empowerment of displaced persons is supported by access to housing, education, healthcare and economic opportunities,” he said.

The governor acknowledged improvements in security across cities and towns, attributing the progress to the sacrifices of the armed forces and other security agencies, the resilience of residents and the commitment of governments at all levels.

He, however, cautioned against complacency, urging continued investment in security, education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

Mr Zulum also called for stronger inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, community engagement and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

He said empowering young people with quality education, vocational and entrepreneurial skills and meaningful employment was critical to preventing their recruitment by criminal and extremist groups.

The governor further advocated greater investment in critical infrastructure, particularly roads, electricity, water and intermodal transportation systems.

He said such critical infrastructure were instruments for reducing poverty, attracting investment and strengthening regional integration.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, said the meeting was significant as it was likely the last before the 2027 general elections.

“This is applicable for five of the six governors who began the forum in 2020,” he said.

Mr Yahaya said the forum had helped the six states to address common challenges, including insecurity, infrastructure deficits, energy shortages and humanitarian concerns.

He cited the federal government’s rehabilitation of the Dikwa-Gamboru Ngala and Bama-Banki roads, as well as the adoption of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri highway as legacy projects achieved by collective advocacy.

He said the region had also recorded progress in power, trade, education and healthcare through joint initiatives.

Mr Yahaya, however, said challenges remained, including insecurity, displacement, out-of-school children, weak health indicators and unrealised infrastructure projects.

He called for stronger mechanisms to track resolutions and ensure that agreements translated into measurable improvements in the lives of residents.

The governor said the Northern States Governors’ Forum was being restructured to strengthen coordination and support sub-regional initiatives, including the NEGF.

He also announced plans for a Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund and reforms to the New Nigeria Development Company to promote investment and economic development across the north.

(NAN)