The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has decried the high cost of agricultural inputs, entertaining fears that the situation might have direct negative consequences on farm outputs in 2026.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 12th meeting of the forum, signed by its chairman, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, on Saturday in Jalingo.

It stated that the impending food crisis could be averted by giving more subsidies to farmers and ensuring adequate preparation for dry-season farming.

“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.

The communique also said the forum tasked its committee on Power and Energy to come up with a power and energy integrated subregional masterplan.

“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 NEGF comprises the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States.

(NAN)