The Northeast Governors have condemned the operations of illegal miners while urging the Federal Government to intervene immediately in the region.
They also expressed concern about floods in the region, noting that it had caused property damage and loss of livelihood.
These were stated in a statement issued at the conclusion of the 8th regular meeting of the North-East Governors Forum, NEGF, held in Maiduguri, Borno State, over the weekend.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, attended the meeting.
Governors from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe were also present. Deputies were used to represent the governors of Gombe and Taraba.
The governors stated that the spread of illegal mining in the region is becoming an issue, and that there is a link between mining and instability.
Climate change and environmental degradation are important challenges affecting the region, according to the communique, which was signed and delivered by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum.
As a result, the Forum urged the respective governments to strictly implement the terms of Nigeria’s Mining Policy on local consent, as well as the provisions of the Land Use Act.
Flooding, according to the governors, has been exacerbated by river silting and deforestation caused by the enormous charcoal industry.
The communique said, “Furthermore, there is the need for effective control on deforestation with stern regulation to local authorities against compromise to granting approvals for such business.
“The Forum has resolved to key into the Global Initiative of Carbon Credi, the Great Green Wall and other initiatives that will mitigate the devastating impact of climate change in the subregion.”
Other resolutions during the meeting are: “The Forum charges the Northeast Development Commission to be more proactive with the issues of development in the subregion. Its intervention should be well prioritized in the short, medium and long term to take care of the sustainable development and needs of the people within the subregion.”
“The forum resolved to promote subregional commerce among member States. It further agreed to resuscitate the northeast trade fair to be held in Bauchi in January 2024.
“The Forum appreciated the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Kashim Shettima for gracing the opening ceremony of the 8th meeting of the NEGF and the Government and People of Borno State for hosting the event.“
