“Rising Cost of Farm Inputs Threatens Food Security” — NEGF Raises Alarm On North East Sub-Region

The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has raised concerns over what it describes as “daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges” affecting the North East sub-region of Nigeria.

In a communiqué issued yesterday at the conclusion of the forum’s 12th meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, and signed by the Chairman and Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the forum noted remarkable improvements in security following a sustained onslaught against insurgency.

However, the forum expressed serious concern over the rising cost of farm inputs, warning that it could exacerbate food insecurity in the near future.

The communiqué reads in part:

“The North East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), comprising the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States, held its 12th meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State. The forum continues to appreciate the level of cooperation and collaboration among member states in the subregion and recommits itself to pursuing common issues of sub-regional concern, particularly on matters related to security, social development, and economic integration.

“The forum acknowledges the appreciable success recorded in the onslaught against insurgency in the North East but regrets that the subregion is still confronted by daunting humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.

“The forum also took into account forecasts by credible agencies regarding climate risks and impending flood disasters. It therefore calls for proactive measures to mitigate flooding and robust sensitization of communities along flood plains. Support is also sought from both the Federal Government and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to reconstruct damaged infrastructure, especially bridges destroyed by floods.

“The forum decries the high cost of agricultural inputs, which may negatively impact farm output next year. To avert a potential food crisis, it calls for increased subsidies to farmers and enhanced preparations for dry-season farming.”

Earlier, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas urged the NEDC to expedite reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area, which was washed away by floodwaters last year.

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