The North-East Governors Forum (NEGF) has raised concerns over the rising cost of agricultural inputs in the country.
The governors expressed their worry on Saturday in a communiqué issued after the 12th meeting of the forum in Jalingo, Taraba state.
The communiqué, signed by Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno and chairman of the forum, warned that the rising cost of agricultural inputs could trigger food shortages in 2026 if not urgently addressed.
The forum said the looming crisis can be mitigated by increasing subsidies for farmers and scaling up preparations for dry season farming.
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“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 communiqué reads.
The governors also expressed concern over looming floods in the region, citing forecasts from climate risk agencies.
They called for increased sensitisation of residents along floodplains and proactive steps to mitigate disasters.
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The forum urged the federal government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, especially bridges destroyed by years of conflict and flooding.
The governors said the forum has resolved to host the north-east trade fair in Maiduguri, Borno state, in December 2025.
On energy, the governors asked their committee to draw up a regional master plan, with solar power identified as a “low-hanging fruit” to meet the sub-region’s needs.
The forum comprises governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
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