Governors Lament Catastrophic Floods, Food Scarcity in the North-East
Governors from the North-East have voiced their grave concerns regarding the imminent threat of flooding across the region and its potential devastation on lives and property.
The governors, uniting under the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), which includes the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, urged for preemptive strategies to address the looming catastrophe.
During the forum’s 12th assembly convened in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Saturday, they also appealed for the Federal Government’s intervention to restore infrastructure, notably bridges, damaged by the floods.
“The forum took into account the forecasts from credible agencies concerning climate risks and the impending flood disaster in the subregion. It thus calls for proactive measures to counter the flood and extensive awareness campaigns for those residing along floodplains.
“It also solicited support from both the Federal Government and the NEDC to reconstruct the damaged infrastructure, especially bridges affected by the floods,” read a communiqué partly signed by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.
The governors noted that the escalating cost of agricultural inputs could adversely affect agricultural production and precipitate a food crisis. Consequently, they advocated for increased subsidies to farmers and thorough preparation for dry-season farming.
“The forum laments the escalating prices of agricultural inputs, which could directly impact farm output negatively next year. To preempt a potential food crisis, it calls for increased subsidies to farmers and comprehensive planning for dry-season farming,” they asserted.
The North-East governors acknowledged the considerable progress achieved in the battle against the insurgency in the region but lamented that the subregion continues to face formidable humanitarian and infrastructural challenges.
The governors resolved to host the North-East Trade Fair in Maiduguri, Borno State, in December 2025.
Building on their initial commitment to explore solar energy as an accessible solution, they reaffirmed their dedication to alleviating energy poverty by commissioning the committee on power and energy in the subregion to develop an integrated subregional power masterplan.
The forum also expressed appreciation for the cooperation and collaboration among member states in the subregion and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing common subregional issues and pursuing a unified approach to matters concerning security, social, and economic integration.
The subsequent meeting is scheduled to be held in Maiduguri from December 12 to 14, 2025.
The governors had previously stated that resolving the security challenges plaguing the region would require a multifaceted approach.
During the forum’s rotational meeting, Zulum identified key solutions, including education, healthcare, enhanced security, and infrastructural development, among others.
While commending President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to end the insurgency in the region, the governors insisted that root causes, such as youth unrest, unemployment, vocational and technical education, poor road networks, and insufficient poverty alleviation programs, must be addressed.
