North-East Governors Forum says poor road network is fueling insecurity, stalling development and making life more difficult for the people in the region.

Th in a communique issued at the end of the ninth meeting of the forum and signed by the chairman, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, in Yola on Saturday.

“More concerned that the federal roads within and between the states in the region have been neglected.

“It thus called on the Federal Ministry of Works to follow through with road contracts awarded in the region,” the communique stated.

The forum noted that the security situation was improving in the region and expressed the need for more collaboration among member-states in the design of the security architecture for the region.

“It thus resolved to work more with the security agencies to have a common security roadmap for the North-East,” it said. 

The forum noted that climate change and environmental degradation were still major issues affecting the sub-region.

According to the forum, the governors resolved to strengthen the collaboration with all initiatives, such as the Great Green Wall and the Global Initiative of Carbon Credit financing.

“Forum notes with appreciation the readiness of the Bauchi State government to host the North-East Regional Trade Fair between February 26 and March 3, 2024.

“We call on all the subnational entities within the region to actively participate in the fair while inviting the nation, Africa and the world to come and experience the rich culture, tourism potentials, hospitality, and economic opportunities that abound in the region,” the governors said. 

The forum comprises the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States.

(NAN)