News Investigators/ The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has called for investments in new transmission lines and energy diversification to prevent future power disruptions in the north.
Mr. Inuwa Yahaya also urged northern leaders to move beyond symbolic meetings, urging the NSGF and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council to develop practical, results-oriented strategies tailored to the region’s unique challenges.
The NSGF Chairman spoke on Monday at a joint meeting involving Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers convened to address the concerns about the power outage in the region caused by the damage of critical infrastructure by vandals.
A statement released by Gombe State Government House spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said “the NSGF, under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya is focused on charting a unified agenda to enhance regional cooperation and development, leveraging the North’s resources to promote long-term development.
Other issues under consideration include security, economic issues, and sustainable development priorities.
“The time to walk the talk is now,” he said, expressing confidence that unity, determination, and bold leadership would steer the region towards a more prosperous future.
The NSGF Chairman emphasized the importance of unity and collective action, stating that the the forum under his leadership is committed to charting a cohesive agenda that leverages the North’s potential for sustainable growth and stability.
While acknowledging recent military successes against terrorists and bandits, Governor Inuwa Yahaya stressed that sustainable peace requires continued collaboration with security agencies and the implementation of recommendations from civil society and regional security committees.
The Governor who reflected on recent protests, highlighted the need for youth empowerment through education, skills development, and employment opportunities to prevent future unrest.
He advocated for strengthening agricultural infrastructure, supporting farmers, and reviving agro-industries like the textile sector to address food insecurity and drive economic revival.
In light of recent floods in Maiduguri and other areas, the Governor urged collaboration with federal agencies to build irrigation systems and adopt sustainable environmental practices.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also emphasized the importance of traditional institutions as tools for conflict resolution and community engagement.
He praised the restructuring of the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) as a step toward economic revitalization in the North.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in his welcome address, emphasized the urgent need for a unified strategy to combat insecurity and other regional challenges, stating, “Without security, there will be no development” .
During the meeting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, who led the traditional rulers, emphasized the critical role of traditional institution in promoting peace and stability in the region.
He highlighted the need for honest discussions about the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and unemployment, calling for decisive actions from political leaders to address these issues effectively.
Sultan Saad commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for constantly engaging with stakeholders across multiple sectors and galvanising his colleagues towards to implement actionable strategies towards addressing the region’s numerous challenges.
The meeting is still ongoing, with a communiqué expected to outline concrete steps to address the challenges discussed.