The North-East Governors Forum (NEGF) has warned that the rising cost of agricultural inputs could trigger food shortages in 2026 if not urgently addressed.
The governors expressed their worry on Saturday in a communiqué issued at the end of the 12th meeting of the forum in Jalingo, Taraba state.
The forum is made up of governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states which made up the north east region.
The communiqué, signed by the chairman of the forum and governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum, expressed concerns over the rising cost of agricultural inputs in the country.
The governors said the looming crisis can be mitigated by increasing subsidies for farmers and scaling up preparations for dry season farming.
The forum acknowledges the appreciable success recorded in the onslaught against insurgency in the region.
It however, regretted that the north east is still confronted with daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.
The governors also expressed concern over looming floods in the region, citing forecasts from climate risk agencies.
The forum called for increased sensitisation of residents along floodplains and proactive steps to mitigate disasters.
The forum also 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 communique 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 is made up of governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.
North east governors’ forum: Raising cost of agricultural inputs could trigger food shortages
