Nigeria: North-East Governors Urge Govt to Fast-Track Mambila Hydropower Project

What the report says

The North-East Governors’ Forum has called on Nigeria’s federal government to speed up completion of the long-delayed Mambila hydropower project in Taraba State. According to Premium Times, the appeal was contained in an 11-point communiqué issued after the governors’ 13th meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, and signed by Borno Governor Babagana Zulum before being presented by Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

The governors said a recent arbitration decision had removed a legal barrier and created room for the project to move forward. They described the hydropower scheme as important for improving electricity access and supporting economic growth across the North-East, while also expressing concern about what they see as prolonged neglect of the project.

The forum linked the request to broader regional development priorities, including power supply, transport, renewable energy and youth employment. It cited the Dadinkowa hydropower plant in Gombe State as an example of what coordinated action can achieve, and encouraged states to use Nigeria’s electricity law and the region’s solar potential to expand mini-grids and other clean energy projects.

The communiqué also noted plans to work with Green Ville Energy on more gas stations, support new electric vehicles from the North East Development Commission, and explore a regional air shuttle. The governors said stronger infrastructure and energy projects are needed to help address insecurity, unemployment and wider development gaps in the region.