By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has on Saturday expressed deep concern over the increasing prices of farm inputs and the looming threat of flooding in the subregion.
This was contained in a communique read by the governor of Yobe State, Dr Umala Buni for their 12th meeting in Jalingo.
The NEGF has also raised concerns about the impending flood disaster in the subregion and called for proactive measures to address the flood threat and robust sensitization of settlers along flood plains.
They requested support from the Federal Government and Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) to reconstruct damaged infrastructure.
According to communique, “Forum acknowledges the appreciable success recorded in the onslaught against the insurgency in the north- East but regrets that the subregion is still confronted by daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.
“Forum took into cognizance 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 robust sensitization of settlers along the flood plains. It also called for support from both Federal Government and NEDC to reconstruct the broken infrastructure especially bridges by the flood.
“Forum decries high cost of Agricultural inputs which might have direct negative consequences on farm outputs next year. To avert impending food crises ahead, it calls for more subsidies to farmers and robust preparation for dry season farming.
“Forum agrees to hold the North East Trade fair in partnership with NECCIMA, in Maiduguri, Borno state, December, 2025.
“While building on the early commitment of exploring solar option as a low hanging fruit, Forum recommits to subduing energy poverty by tasking the Committee on Power and Energy in the subregion to come up with an integrated subregional power Masterplan.
“Forum congratulates the University of Maiduguri which is a legacy University in the subregion for its golden jubilee. It also expresses its willingness to support the 50th anniversary celebration and the re-launch of the University Endowment Fund coming up in November, 2025
“The next meeting is to hold in Maiduguri between 12th-14th December, 2025,” communique read.
