Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the renewed efforts to revive oil exploration at the Kolmani oil wells in Bauchi State.
Zulum, however, called on the Federal Government to extend the same commitment to oil exploration activities earlier commenced in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State.
The governor made the call on Saturday during the 13th regular meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.
The two-day meeting, which commenced on October 2 and ends on October 3, 2026, brought together governors from the six North-East states to deliberate on regional security, economic development and cooperation.
Governors Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe attended the meeting, while Bauchi and Yobe states were represented by their deputy governors.
Zulum described the resumption of oil exploration in the North-East, particularly at Kolmani and the Lake Chad Basin, as an important step towards revitalising the region’s economy.
He said the development could create employment, stimulate infrastructure development and expand the revenue base of states and communities in the region.
“We particularly welcome the renewed efforts towards reviving exploration activities at the Kolmani Oil Field in Bauchi State,” Zulum said.
He added that the Federal Government should also revisit oil exploration activities that had previously commenced but were later stalled in Magumeri and Gubio LGAs of Borno State.
According to him, responsible exploration and development of the region’s natural resources would complement ongoing reconstruction efforts, strengthen local economies, restore livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for the growing population.
Zulum also stressed that renewed exploration in Kolmani and the Lake Chad Basin could help diversify the region’s economy and create jobs, while complementing ongoing security and development efforts.
Speaking at the meeting, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, highlighted some achievements recorded since the establishment of the North-East Governors’ Forum, including the creation of the North-East Education Council.
Yahaya also pointed to regional efforts to address the challenges of Almajiri education and out-of-school children, as well as the establishment of a regional health platform by the commissioners of health in 2024 to improve cooperation and share best practices.
The meeting is expected to conclude with a communiqué outlining measures on security, economic integration and infrastructure development across the North-East.
Among the dignitaries at the meeting were Borno Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, APC gubernatorial candidate Mustapha Gubio, his deputy Ali Isa Abdullahi, APC Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori and APC State Chairman Bello Ayuba.
Members of traditional councils from across the region were also present, led by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.
