The North East region is once again in the spotlight as its governors push for major infrastructure and economic reforms. On Wednesday, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, alongside his colleagues, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to table pressing developmental needs.
Focus of the Meeting
The central issues on the agenda were:
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Completion of 17 major road projects linking the North East to other parts of Nigeria.
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Resumption of oil exploration in the Kolmani oil fields and Lake Chad frontier wells.
These projects, according to the governors, hold the key to unlocking trade, agriculture, job creation, and improved security across the region.
Priority Roads Highlighted
Governor Zulum, who chairs the North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), emphasized the importance of strategic routes such as:
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Kano–Maiduguri Road
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Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Maiduguri Railway line
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Bama–Mubi–Yola Road
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Wukari–Jalingo–Yola Road
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Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Damaturu Road
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Damaturu–Geidam Road
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Gombe–Potiskum–Damaturu–Biu Road
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Maiduguri–Monguno–Baga Road
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Maiduguri–Ngala–Bama–Banki Road
According to him, the timely completion of these projects would not only ease movement but also stimulate regional and national economic growth.
Oil Exploration Push
The governors also called for renewed federal support in reviving oil exploration in Kolmani and the Lake Chad basin. With the region’s vast potential, they believe oil activities could diversify the economy, attract investment, and create thousands of jobs.
The meeting was attended by:
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Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe)
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Bala Muhammad (Bauchi)
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Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)
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Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa)
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Agbu Kefas (Taraba)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration is committed to bridging infrastructure gaps and supporting economic development in the North East.
This reassurance has sparked optimism that the long-standing challenges of poor roads and underutilized resources may soon be addressed.
Jamflash Takeaway:
The meeting signals a renewed collaboration between the federal government and the North East governors. If executed, the projects could reshape the region’s economic future and bring lasting stability.
