By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North-East Governors’ Forum, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to revive oil exploration activities in the state, following renewed efforts to develop the Kolmani oil field in Bauchi State.
Zulum made the call on Saturday while declaring his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed commitment to oil exploration in the North-East.
The governor spoke at 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 and representatives from the six states of the region to deliberate on security, economic development, infrastructure and regional cooperation.
Among those present were Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, while Bauchi and Yobe states were represented by their deputy governors.
Zulum described the renewed exploration activities at the Kolmani oil field as a significant step towards unlocking the economic potential of the North-East.
He commended President Tinubu for the Federal Government’s continued commitment to the development of the region, particularly the renewed push to revive activities at Kolmani.
According to him, the development of the oil field goes beyond the exploitation of petroleum resources, as it could create employment, stimulate infrastructure development and expand the revenue base of states and communities in the region.
Zulum said the Federal Government should extend the same momentum to oil exploration activities in Borno State, particularly in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas.
«“In the same spirit, we respectfully urge the Federal Government to revisit the exploration activities earlier commenced but subsequently stalled in Magumeri and Gubio Local Government Areas of Borno State.”»
He said responsible exploration and development of the state’s natural resources could complement ongoing reconstruction efforts, strengthen local economies, restore livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for the region’s growing population.
The governor also linked renewed oil exploration in the North-East to broader efforts to diversify the regional economy and create employment opportunities, stressing that development of the Kolmani and Lake Chad Basin prospects could contribute significantly to the region’s economic recovery.
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 said the states had also adopted different approaches to addressing the challenges of Almajiri education and out-of-school children.
He cited Borno’s Tsangaya Commission, Taraba’s Almajiri Model Education Centres and Gombe’s Integrated Almajiri Education Centres as examples of regional efforts to improve access to education.
The governor also disclosed that commissioners of health from the six states established a regional health platform in 2024 to strengthen intra-regional responsiveness and facilitate the sharing of best practices.
The 13th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum is expected to issue a communiqué outlining decisions and recommendations on security, economic integration, infrastructure and other issues affecting the region.
Dignitaries at the meeting included Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; APC governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio; his running mate, Ali Isa Abdullahi; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori; and APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba.
Members of the traditional councils across the region were also in attendance, led by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.I can also give you a more suspenseful The Story-style headline built around the Borno oil-field angle.
