Zulum Leads North East Governors to Tinubu, Seeks Completion of 17 Key Roads, Resumption of Oil Exploration
By Babagana Jidda
Kanempress
September 5, 2025
In a unified push for regional development, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Wednesday led the six governors of the North East zone to a crucial meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting focused on addressing long-standing infrastructural deficits in the region and reviving oil exploration efforts that have stalled for years.
Governor Zulum, who chairs the North East Governors’ Forum, presented a detailed appeal on behalf of the delegation, requesting the urgent completion of 17 critical roads connecting states across the region. He also called for the resumption of oil exploration in the Kolmani and Lake Chad basins—projects considered vital for economic revitalization and regional security.
List of Priority Roads
The 17 strategic roads include:
Kano–Maiduguri Road
Port Harcourt–Jos–Bauchi–Maiduguri Railway line
Bama–Mubi–Yola Road
Wukari–Jalingo–Yola Road
Duguri–Mansur Road (NNPC Project ongoing)
Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Damaturu Road
Damaturu–Geidam Road
Bauchi–Ningi–Nasaru–Babaldo Road
Gombe–Potiskum Road
Damaturu–Biu Road
Alkaleri–Futuk Road
Maiduguri–Damboa–Yola Road
Gombe–Dukku–Darazo Road
Biu–Gombe Road
Ibi–Shamdam Road
Maiduguri–Monguno–Baga Road
Maiduguri–Ngala–Bama–Banki Road
Zulum noted that many of these roads have been neglected for decades, despite their strategic role in linking communities, boosting agriculture, and facilitating economic growth.
“Mr President, we are appealing for the completion of these vital infrastructure projects that will help stabilize our zone and unlock economic potential,” Zulum said.
Push for Oil Exploration
The governors also requested the president’s directive to resume oil exploration in the Kolmani and Lake Chad frontier wells, seen as key to unlocking new revenue streams and industrial development in the zone.
“We strongly support your administration’s energy initiatives and ask for renewed efforts in exploring our frontier basins to diversify Nigeria’s oil economy,” Zulum added.
Appreciation for Peace, Security Gains
The governor commended Tinubu for sustaining peace-building efforts in the sub-region, particularly continuing the counterinsurgency initiatives of his predecessor.
“We thank you for fostering peace and stability within the sub-region… Your support has allowed us to refocus on rebuilding and resettlement,” Zulum said.
He also pledged the governors’ support for Tinubu’s vision on food security and technology-driven governance.
“We fully align with your renewed hope agenda—especially in areas of manpower development, technology, and agricultural transformation,” Zulum added.
Presidential Assurance
In his response, President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the development needs of the North East.
“We hear your concerns loud and clear. Be rest assured that this administration is committed to equitable development across all regions, and the North East will not be left behind,” Tinubu assured.
The meeting was attended by:
Governor Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe)
Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi)
Governor Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa)
Governor Agbu Kefas (Taraba)
As security continues to improve in the North East, Wednesday’s engagement signals a renewed regional push for federal action on infrastructure, energy, and economic inclusion—key ingredients for lasting peace and prosperity in the region.
