BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, SEPTEMBER 03, 2025 | 11:20 PM
The North East governors have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the completion of 17 major road projects and the resumption of oil exploration in Kolmani and Lake Chad basins.
The governors, led by Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, met the president on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, saying the initiatives are vital for regional security, connectivity and economic recovery.
Others in attendance were Governors Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Bala Muhammad (Bauchi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa) and Agbu Kefas (Taraba).
Gov. Zulum, who chairs the North East Governors Forum, said the roads would link all six states of the region and accelerate commerce while strengthening counter-insurgency operations.
The projects include Kano–Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Maiduguri Railway Line, Bama–Mubi–Yola Road, Wukari–Jalingo–Yola Road, Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Damaturu Road, Damaturu–Geidam Road, Maiduguri–Monguno–Baga Road, and Maiduguri–Ngala–Bama–Banki Road, among others.
He also urged renewed oil exploration efforts in the frontier wells, particularly Kolmani and Lake Chad, stressing that energy resources could transform the sub-region if harnessed responsibly.
Commending the president for sustaining peace efforts, Gov. Zulum said, 'We thank you for fostering stability within the sub-region. We are aligning with your initiative on manpower training and technology deployment to reduce insecurity and promote agriculture in line with the renewed hope agenda on food security.'
The governor assured Tinubu of the forum’s support, noting that the North East “stands ready to partner” with his administration to leave lasting development legacies.
In response, President Tinubu acknowledged the requests and promised his administration’s commitment to meeting the developmental needs of the region.