The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has expressed concern that soaring agricultural input costs may undermine food production and worsen outputs in 2026 if urgent measures are not taken.
In a communiqué issued after its 12th meeting held on Saturday in Jalingo, and chaired by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the forum urged the federal government to increase subsidies for farmers and prioritise early preparations for dry-season farming to avert a looming food crisis.
The governors acknowledged progress in the fight against insurgency but stressed that the region still faces severe humanitarian and infrastructural challenges. They also raised alarm over climate risks and potential flooding, calling for proactive measures, including sensitisation of floodplain communities.
They appealed for urgent intervention from the federal government and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to reconstruct critical infrastructure, especially damaged bridges.
On economic development, the forum resolved to host the North-East Trade Fair in partnership with stakeholders in Maiduguri, Borno State, in December 2025.
The NEGF also tasked its Power and Energy Committee to design an integrated subregional energy masterplan, with solar power as a priority option for affordable electricity access.
The forum comprises governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.
