While acknowledging the relative success recorded against insurgency in the North-East subregion, the North-East Governors Forum (NEGF) has lamented that a new dimension of growing banditry is added to worsen the security situation in the subregion.
The NEGF observed that as a result of the concerted efforts of the Military to flush bandits from the other parts of the country, the bandits are now moving towards the Northeast.
The Forum stressed that the case is becoming worse in Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba States, places hitherto without banditry, the Forum therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene to address this issue.
These are contained in a communique issued at the end of the NEGF 8th regular meeting held in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state over the weekend, attended by the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima.
In the communique signed by the NEGF Chairman, Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, the Forum stated that it is aware that some traditional rulers and other local authorities are conniving with the bandits, giving them shelter and cover to commit crimes within the subregion.
The Forum unanimously resolved to decisively deal with any Traditional ruler or community leader that is found to be harbouring or conniving with the bandits.
It also stated that the proliferation of mining in the subregion is becoming a problem which includes both legal and illegal mining and noted the link between mining activities and insecurity, especially the abuse of the mining leases.
The Forum called on the respective Governments to enforce compliance with the provisions of local consent as contained in Nigeria’s Mining Policy and reiterated its call for strict compliance with the provisions of the Land Use Act.
The Forum noted with great concern that Climate Change and environmental degradation a major issues affecting the subregion stressing that the issue of flooding that had affected the States leading to the destruction of properties and loss of livelihoods is increasing the suffering of the people.
This, the Forum observed, has been compounded by the silting of our rivers as well as deforestation brought about by the massive charcoal business stressing that there is a need for the Federal Government’s intervention in the area of desilting the rivers.
Furthermore, there is a need for effective control of deforestation with stern regulation to local authorities against compromise to granting approvals for such businesses.
The Forum has resolved to key into the Global Initiative of Carbon Credi, the Great Green Wall and other initiatives that will mitigate the devasting impact of climate change in the subregion.
The Forum also noted with dismay, the seeming neglect of road and railway infrastructure especially along the economic corridors that link the Northeast subregion to the rest of the country.
According to the Forum, the Roads from Enugu to Maiduguri is in deplorable State, equally worse, is the railway from Enugu up to Maiduguri which has been destroyed.
The Forum is calling on the Federal Government to look into the situation and consider the reconstruction of these basic infrastructure along the Enugu-Maiduguri Economic Corridor.
It stressed that this is a major route for regional trade and very important for integration, peace building and improving national unity.
The Forum however agreed that all the States within the subregion are to domesticate the Education Law 2022, as recommended by the Northeast Education Council earlier constituted by the Forum.
The Forum charged the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to be more proactive with the issues of development in the subregion stating that its intervention should be well prioritized in the short, medium and long term to take care of the sustainable development needs of the people within the subregion.
The Forum then resolved to promote subregional commerce among member States just as it further agreed to resuscitate the North-East Trade Fair to be held in Bauchi in January 2024.
The Northeast Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe with the Governors of Gombe and Taraba represented by the Deputy Governors, held its 8th meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State.
It expressed delight at the growing strength of the cooperation, collaboration and cordial relationship between the Governors of the 6 States of the region.
The Forum reiterated its commitment to foster a common ground and pursue the collective course for the benefit of the subregion.
The Forum appreciated the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Kashim Shettima for gracing the opening ceremony of the 8th meeting of the NEGF and the Government and People of Borno State for hosting the event.
The Forum then resolved to hold the 9th Meeting in Yola, Adamawa State between Friday 3rd – Saturday 4th – November 2023.
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