North-East Governors Forum (NEGF) has expressed deep concern over the escalating cost of agricultural inputs across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports the Governors cautioned that the trend could result in food shortages by 2026 if urgent steps are not taken.
They raised the alarm in a communiqué issued on Saturday after their 12th meeting held in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The document, signed by Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno and chairman of the forum, noted that scaling up support for farmers and boosting dry season farming are critical measures to avert the crisis.
The communique stated, “The forum acknowledges the appreciable success recorded in the onslaught against insurgency in the region, but regrets that the subregion is still confronted with daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.”
The Governors further warned about looming flood disasters, citing predictions by climate risk agencies. They urged sensitisation campaigns for residents in flood-prone areas and proactive disaster-mitigation strategies.
Additionally, the forum called on federal government and North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise the rebuilding of critical infrastructure, especially bridges damaged by prolonged conflict and recurrent flooding.
The communiqué also confirmed that the forum has scheduled the North-East Trade Fair to take place in Maiduguri, Borno State, in December 2025.
On energy solutions, the Governors directed their committee to design a regional master plan, identifying solar energy as a “low-hanging fruit” to address the sub-region’s power needs.
