Governor and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the Nigerian Government to revisit oil exploration activities in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State.
Governor Zulum made the call in Maiduguri, delivering his opening address at the 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Government House.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s continued commitment to the development of the North-East.
Governor Zulum said the revival of the Kolmani project would go beyond investment in the oil and gas sector, as it could create employment, stimulate infrastructure development and broaden the revenue base of states and communities in the region.
He said; “responsible exploration and development of the region’s natural resources could complement ongoing reconstruction efforts, strengthen local economies, restore livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for the growing population.”
On social protection, Governor Zulum commended the Nigerian Government’s One Billion Dollar Household Prosperity and Economic Social Protection Project, HOPE-SP, describing the intervention “as significant for a region that has endured years of insecurity, displacement, disrupted livelihoods and humanitarian dependence.”
He said the objective of governments must be to deliberately move the North-East from relief to recovery and from recovery to sustainable prosperity.
According to him, “reconstruction must go hand in hand with livelihood restoration, while returning displaced persons should have access to housing, education, healthcare and economic opportunities.”
On security, Governor Zulum acknowledged the considerable improvement in the situation across the North-East compared with the difficult years of the past.
He attributed the progress to the courage and sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, the resilience of the people and the commitment of governments at all levels.
The Governor said the North-East Governors’ Forum had also contributed to the progress through collective support for security initiatives, including the non-kinetic approach and the Safe Corridor programme.
He, however, cautioned against complacency, stressing that security remains the foundation for development, investment, education, healthcare and economic prosperity.
Governor Zulum reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting security agencies while strengthening inter-state cooperation, intelligence sharing, community engagement and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
He also called for greater attention to the socio-economic conditions that could expose young people to exploitation by criminal and extremist elements.
The Governor identified youth empowerment as another critical priority for the region, noting that the North-East has one of the youngest populations in the country.
