Zulum Advocates Unified Strategy Against Insecurity, Infrastructure At North-East Governors Meeting

Babagana Bukar Wakil, Writes from Maiduguri 

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State has called for renewed strategic collaboration to tackle growing security, economic, and humanitarian challenges in Nigeria’s North-East region. 

He made the call in his opening address at the 11th Meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Damaturu, Yobe State.

 

Zulum applauded the Forum's progress in promoting regional unity and cooperation, while emphasizing the need for urgent collective measures to address rising poverty, food insecurity, inflation, and transportation difficulties brought on by the global economic downturn.

 

Zulum expressed deep concern over the resurgence of insurgent attacks and urged the Nigerian military to reassess its operational strategies to adopt more proactive and offensive approaches. "The re-emergence of attacks threatens our gains. The military must revise its strategy to stay ahead of the enemy," he warned.

 

Addressing the region’s widespread poverty, the governor advocated for both short- and medium-term interventions focused on agriculture, job creation, and industrialization. “Agriculture remains vital, but it must be complemented with the growth of small and medium-scale industries, supported by improved infrastructure and private sector investment,” he stated.

 

He urged governors to implement measures that would mitigate flooding during the current rainy season, especially in light of early warnings by NIMET. “Flooding has devastated lives and livelihoods. We must act decisively this year,” Zulum stressed.

 

Highlighting the need for synergy, Zulum said: “We cannot work in silos. Our individual successes depend on our collective strength and cooperation.” He also called for deliberate investment in roads, electricity, water, youth employment, and entrepreneurship.

 

The governor welcomed dignitaries including members of the National Assembly, development partners, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders, and acknowledged their unwavering support for regional peace and development.

 

He commended the bravery of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Joint Task Force (JTF), vigilantes, and hunters, many of whom, he noted, paid the ultimate price defending the region.

 

Governor Zulum also introduced Umar Musa Gulani as the newly appointed Director-General of the Forum, describing him as a seasoned public administrator with extensive experience in federal service and regional development initiatives.

 

He concluded by thanking host Governor Mai Mala Buni for the hospitality and reaffirmed the Forum’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its national development agenda.

 

“Let us leave this meeting with renewed resolve to build a united, secure, and economically thriving North-East,” Zulum declared.

  

COV/BBW