The North-East Governors Forum says poor road network is fueling insecurity, stalling development and making life more difficult for the people in the region.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the 9th meeting of the Forum and signed by its Chairman, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, in Yola on Saturday.
The governors were concerned that the federal roads within and between the states in the region have been neglected.
They therefore, called on the Federal Ministry of Works to follow through with road contracts awarded in the region.
The Forum noted that the security situation was improving in the region and expressed the need for more collaboration among member-states in the design of the security architecture for the region.
“It thus resolved to work more with the security agencies to have a common security roadmap for the North East”, the communiqué stated.
It also noted that climate change and environmental degradation were still major issues affecting the sub region.
According to the Forum, the governors resolved to strengthen the collaboration with all initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and the Global Initiative of Carbon Credit financing.
“Forum notes with appreciation, the readiness of the Bauchi State Government to host the North East Regional Trade Fair between Feb. 26 and March 3, 2024.
“We call on all the subnational entities within the region to actively participate in the fair while inviting the nation, Africa and the world to come and experience the rich culture, tourism potentials, hospitality, and economic opportunities that abound in the region”, the communiqué added.
The Forum comprises the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States.
