The growing cost of agricultural inputs has alarmed the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), which has warned that the trend may jeopardize food supply and degrade farm yields in 2026.
This was revealed in a statement following the conclusion of the forum’s 12th meeting, which was held in Jalingo on Saturday and was presided over by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno.
In order to prevent an impending food catastrophe, the governors requested the federal government to give farmers additional subsidies and guarantee early preparations for dry-season cultivation.
The meeting acknowledged the progress made in the fight against insurgency, but pointed out that the region still faces significant infrastructure and humanitarian issues.
Along with highlighting worries about potential flooding and climate threats throughout the subregion, the statement called for preventive steps, such as raising awareness among people residing along floodplains.
In order to restore vital infrastructure, especially damaged bridges, the governors urged the federal government and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide immediate assistance.
In addition, the meeting decided to work with partners to hold the North-East Trade Fair in Maiduguri, Borno State, in December 2025.
“The forum acknowledges the appreciable success recorded in the onslaught against the insurgency in the region, but regrets that the subregion is still confronted with daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.
“The forum took into cognisance the forecast of the credible agencies on climate risk and the impending flood disaster in the subregion.
“It therefore calls for proactive measures in confronting the flood and massive sensitisation of settlers along the flood plains.
“It also called for support from both the federal government and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to reconstruct the broken infrastructure, especially bridges.
“The forum agrees to hold the North-East Trade fair in partnership with other organisations in Maiduguri, Borno, in December 2025,” it stated.
Regarding energy, the NEGF assigned its Power and Energy Committee the responsibility of creating an integrated subregional masterplan, emphasizing the use of solar energy as an affordable alternative.
“While building on the early commitment of exploring solar options as a low-hanging fruit, the forum recommits to coming up with an integrated subregional power Masterplan,” the communique added.
The governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States are members of the forum.